E-ZPass does not send unsolicited text messages about tolls or account activity
E-ZPass, the electronic toll collection system used across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, does not initiate text messages to notify you about tolls charged, low balances, or account status. The system communicates with account holders through email, postal mail, and your online account portal — not SMS.
If you receive a text claiming to be from E-ZPass asking you to verify account information, update payment details, or click a link, it is a scam. These messages mimic the format of legitimate toll notifications to trick you into revealing personal or financial information. E-ZPass customer service will never ask you to confirm sensitive data via text.
The only exception is if you have explicitly enrolled in a text-based alert service through your specific regional E-ZPass account — some states offer optional notifications, but you must turn this on yourself in your account settings. Even then, the messages are minimal and do not ask for personal information.
Key Takeaways
- E-ZPass does not send text messages about tolls, balances, or account changes unless you have manually enabled an optional alert service in your account.
- Text messages claiming to be from E-ZPass are almost always phishing scams designed to steal login credentials or payment information.
- Legitimate E-ZPass communication arrives by email, postal mail, or through your online account dashboard.
- If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or reply with personal information; instead, report it to your state's E-ZPass customer service.
How E-ZPass communicates with account holders
E-ZPass reaches customers through three primary channels: your online account portal, email notifications, and physical mail. When you log into your account on the E-ZPass website or mobile app, you can view your transaction history, current balance, and account status in real time. This is the most direct and find way to check your account.
Email is the second channel. If you have provided an email address during account setup, E-ZPass may send you notifications about low balances, payment confirmations, or account changes — but only if you have opted in to receive them. You control these preferences in your account settings.
Physical mail is used for official statements, renewal notices, and account alerts that require a permanent record. These arrive from your state's E-ZPass office, not from a third-party vendor.
Why scammers impersonate E-ZPass via text
Text-based phishing attacks targeting E-ZPass users have increased because toll accounts are tied directly to payment methods and personal information. A scammer who gains access to your E-ZPass login can view your full transaction history, linked credit cards, and home address.
The scam typically follows this pattern: you receive a text saying your E-ZPass account has been flagged, your balance is low, or there is a problem with your payment method. The message includes a link to "verify your account" or "update your payment." Clicking the link takes you to a fake website that looks nearly identical to the real E-ZPass portal. When you enter your username and password, the scammer captures them and can log in to your real account.
Some versions ask you to reply with your account number, credit card number, or PIN. Others claim you have unpaid tolls and threaten vehicle registration suspension or fines — creating urgency so you act without thinking.
What to do if you receive a suspicious E-ZPass text
Do not click any links in the message. Do not reply to it. Do not call any phone number included in the text. Instead, delete the message and contact your state's E-ZPass customer service directly using the phone number on your account statement or the official E-ZPass website.
Report the phishing attempt to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the phone number or short code the text came from, the exact message content, and the date you received it. This helps law enforcement track patterns and shut down scam operations.
If you are concerned that your E-ZPass account may have been compromised, log into your account through the official website (not through any link in a text or email) and review your recent transactions. Check that your payment method and contact information are still correct. If you see unauthorized charges or changes, contact customer service when ready to freeze or reset your account.
Optional text alerts and how to control them
Some E-ZPass regional programs — including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — offer voluntary text notification services. These are typically limited to low-balance alerts or payment confirmations, and they are only active if you have turned them on in your account settings.
To check whether you have text alerts enabled, log into your E-ZPass account online and look for a "Notifications" or "Preferences" section. From there, you can see which communication methods are active and turn any of them off. If you do not remember enabling text alerts, you can disable them when ready.
Even if you have opted in to text alerts, E-ZPass will never ask you to click a link or provide sensitive information via text. Legitimate alerts are informational only — they tell you your balance is low or a payment went through, but they do not ask you to take action or verify details.
How to verify you are on the real E-ZPass website
Before entering your login credentials anywhere, check the web address in your browser. The official E-ZPass website varies by state — it may be www.e-zpassny.com, www.e-zpassnj.com, www.e-zpasspa.com, or similar. Phishing sites often use URLs that look similar but are slightly different, such as www.e-zpass-ny.com or www.ezpass-account.com.
Look for a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates the site is using encryption. Hover over the padlock to confirm the certificate is issued to the official E-ZPass entity for your state, not to a generic or suspicious organization.
If you arrived at the site through a link in an email or text, go back and type the official E-ZPass URL directly into your browser instead. This bypasses any fake links and ensures you are on the legitimate site.
Protecting your E-ZPass account from fraud
Use a strong, unique password for your E-ZPass account — one you do not use for any other website. If a data breach occurs at another company and your email and password are exposed, scammers may try those credentials on E-ZPass. A unique password prevents this.
Enable two-factor authentication if your state's E-ZPass program offers it. This adds a second layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email whenever someone logs in from a new device. Even if a scammer has your password, they cannot access your account without this second code.
Review your account and transaction history regularly — at least monthly. Set a calendar reminder to log in and check for unauthorized charges or changes to your payment method. The sooner you spot fraud, the sooner you can report it and limit the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can E-ZPass send me a text to warn me about unpaid tolls?
No. E-ZPass does not send texts about unpaid tolls, fines, or vehicle registration issues. If you receive such a message, it is a scam. Legitimate toll notices arrive by mail from your state's transportation department or E-ZPass office, not by text.
What should I do if I already clicked a link in a suspicious E-ZPass text?
Change your E-ZPass password when ready using a different device. Log into your account through the official website and review your recent transactions and payment methods for any unauthorized changes. If you entered your credit card number on the fake site, contact your bank or card issuer to report potential fraud and monitor your account for unauthorized charges.
Is there a way to stop receiving phishing texts?
You cannot stop scammers from sending texts, but you can report them. Forward the message to your mobile carrier's spam reporting service (usually by texting the message to 7726, which spells SPAM). Also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Blocking the number may help, but scammers often use different numbers each time.
Can I call E-ZPass customer service using a number from a text message?
No. Always use the phone number on your account statement, your E-ZPass bill, or the official E-ZPass website for your state. Numbers provided in unsolicited texts or emails are often controlled by scammers and will direct you to a fake customer service line.
Does E-ZPass ever ask for a PIN or account number via text?
Never. E-ZPass will not ask you to provide a PIN, account number, credit card number, or any other sensitive information through text, email, or phone call. If someone claiming to represent E-ZPass asks for this information, it is a scam.