MassDOT Warns of Toll-fee Smishing Scam

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.

The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.

Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.

EZDriveMA customers can verify a valid text notification in several ways:

  • EZDriveMA will never request payment by text
  • All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com

The FBI says it has received more than 2,000 complaints related to toll smishing scams since early March and recommends individuals who receive fraudulent messages do the following:

1. File a complaint with the  Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; be sure to include:

The phone number from where the text originated.


The website listed within the text

2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.

3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.

4. Delete any smishing texts received.

5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

MassDOT encourage customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact the department at www.ezdrivema.com with any questions about EZDriveMA notifications.


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Berkshires Getting Frozone Weekend

Staff Reports
The groundhog saw his shadow and hunkered down for the never-ending winter as more snow and more cold hits the Berkshires this weekend. 
 
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has issued a winter weather advisory from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday for snow and gusty winds. 
 
The region could get between 3 and 6 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph, which will cause blowing and drifting of snow. This will particularly hit Northern Berkshire and western Windham County in Vermont. 
 
Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
 
Also prepare for yet another deep freeze (even freezier than it has been) on Saturday. Albany has issued an "extreme cold" warning in from 7 a.m. Saturday through Sunday at 1. 
 
The forecast has "dangerously cold" wind chills as low as 25 to 35 below. 
 
Right now, the warning is targeted for eastern New York State and the southern Adirondacks, but the NWS map shows the frigid air covering all of Western Mass and Southern Vermont and most of Connecticut. 
 
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