ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Scammers are targeting New Yorkers with fake text messages and websites, masquerading as government agencies to demand payment of fraudulent fines and fees for traffic tickets or E-ZPass. They’re trying to steal money directly and indirectly by accessing personal information for fraud like identity theft and account takeovers.
Governor Kathy Hochul and other state officials issued warnings about the increase of such scams on Thursday. They said the culprits use phony websites and texts designed to look official, but the Department of Motor Vehicles doesn’t communicate outstanding balances this way, by sending texts asking for payment.
Officials from the DMV, the Thruway Authority, and the Department of State are raising awareness about recognizing scams and fraud. They said the bogus texts usually pressure people into paying quickly, within a short window, to prevent an imminent suspension on their driver’s license or E-ZPass. They offered several ways to avoid becoming a victim:
- Be Cautious: Do not click links that claim to be from trusted sources if you have any doubt
- Check the Website: Real communications will only direct customers to the official E-ZPass or DMV websites with accurate URLs
- Spot the Signs: Watch for poor spelling, bad grammar, and threats
- Do Not Use Email: Legitimate businesses don’t ask to email personal sensitive information
The Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection also suggested using different, complex passwords for each account, enabling extra security measures like fingerprint or facial recognition, not automatically saving passwords on a computer, and not clicking on free downloads from pop-up ads…