Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Transportation Commissioner William J. Cass are alerting residents to a new “smishing” scam targeting New Hampshire E-ZPass users. The scam involves fraudulent text messages that purport to be from E-ZPass to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and providing sensitive personal information.

“Smishing” refers to the use of fake text messages or similar communications designed to deceive individuals into sharing personal data, downloading harmful malware, or making payments to scammers. Typically, these messages impersonate legitimate businesses or government entities and create a sense of urgency, such as notifying recipients of unpaid tolls, undelivered packages, or overdue bills.

In this scam, recipients receive a text message that appears to be from “E-ZPass” claiming that their vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice. The message provides a link and threatens severe consequences if the invoice is not paid promptly, including “excessive fees,” “potential legal action,” and even “suspension of vehicle registration,” urging the recipient to click a link to settle the invoice.

Any unsolicited text message, email, or other message from NHE-ZPass or EZDriveMA seeking payment for outstanding toll fees is a scam. NH E-ZPass and EZDriveMA will never contact customers by text message to request payment Residents who receive such messages can forward the suspicious message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert their mobile provider and then delete the message. Recipients should never respond to these messages and should never click any links embedded in the message.

Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from the NH Turnpike, or another toll agency should not click on the link. NH E-ZPass account holders can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official NH Turnpike E-ZPass website (www.ezpassnh.com) or the NH E-ZPass app available from the Apple App Store, or Google Play store. Those who receive a fraudulent text can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. That is a site dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.

If you are the recipient of a message like this one and would like to report it or if you have questions, please contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454. For more information about the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau, visit here.