MassDOT Alerts Customers of EZDriveMA Scam

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is warning EZDriveMA customers of a text message-based scam, also known as smishing.

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. 

MassDOT is underscoring that:  

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

The EZDrive smishing scam is part of a?series of smishing scams?that the FBI is aware of. The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following: 

1. File a complaint with the IC3,?www.ic3.gov, be sure to include:
   1. The phone number from where the text originated. 
   2. 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 at (877) 627-7745. 
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 encourages all customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact us at?www.EZDriveMA.com?with any questions about EZDriveMA notifications. 

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.