MassDOT Warns of Toll-fee Smishing Scam

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.

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.

Mass MoCA Teen Invitational Draws Hundreds of Submissions

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:26PM / Monday, April 20, 2026

Mount Greylock Regional art teacher Jane-Ellen DeSomma receives the Pepper/Jackson Award from Gabriel Sacco. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — High school students from around the region are being featured this week at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

 

More than 400 submissions were made to museum's 14th annual Teen Invitational, giving these young artists an chance to shine in media ranging from video to oils to pottery. 

 

The exhibition is on view through Sunday, April 26.

 

"This is my third year working with the participating schools and producing this exhibition," said Gabriel Sacco, the museum's senior manager of public programs, at Thursday's reception. 

 

"I'm always so impressed by the student work. It's the thing that like keeps me really excited about the work that we do, especially at a time like this when you know we need we need young voices to really share out what the future looks like for us now."

 

Participating schools were the Academy at Charlemont, Berkshire Arts & Technology Public Charter School, Buxton School, Darrow High School, Drury High School, Hoosac Valley High School, McCann Technical School, Miss Hall's School, Mount Greylock Regional School, Pine Cobble School, Pittsfield High School, Greater Commonwealth Virtual School and Wahconah Regional High School. 

 

This year, six awards were presented: three honorable mentions in artistic excellence and three Berkshire Eagle bests in show.