New 'smishing' scam targets NH E-ZPass users

CONCORD - The state's Attorney Generals and Transportation offices are warning of a new smishing scam that uses E-ZPass's logo to target New Hampshire residents.

According to a release sent out on Wednesday, a "smishing" scam is any use of fake text messages to manipulate unsuspecting recipients into providing sensitive personal information, downloading harmful malware, or sending money to scammers.

Smishing scams typically involve the unauthorized use of a business or government agency's official logo and likeness in order to make the messages more persuasive. The text messages will typically create some sense of urgency such as an unpaid bill or undelivered package and will encourage consumers to click on a link to address the problem.

In addition to text messages, scammers frequently use similar tactics to target consumers by email and other messaging platforms like social media sites.

The current scam involves text messages that appear to be from NH E-ZPass which inform the recipient that their vehicle has an unpaid invoice based on their use of a NH E-ZPass lanes. The message further states that failure to promptly pay the invoice will result in late fees and encourages recipients to access their account and make a payment by clicking on a link.

Any unsolicited text message, email, or other message from NH E-ZPass seeking payment for outstanding toll fees is a scam. NH E-ZPass will never contact New Hampshire residents by sending messages threatening late fees for failure to pay an invoice. 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 at www.ic3.gov. 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: https://www.doj.nh.gov/citizens/consumer-protection-antitrust-bureau.