Scam Alert: New York State Thruway Authority Warns of Fake E-ZPass NY, Tolls by Mail Texts

ALBANY, NY (October 19, 2025) — The New York State Thruway Authority issued a scam alert, cautioning the public about fake texts, emails, or calls claiming unpaid tolls from E-ZPass NY or Tolls by Mail. The authority identified these as smishing attacks aimed at stealing personal information or installing malware.

Smishing is a type of scam that uses fraudulent text messages (SMS) to trick people into providing personal information, such as passwords or credit card details, or to install malware. The term combines “SMS” and “phishing.” These messages often appear to come from legitimate sources, like banks or government agencies, to deceive recipients.

“These are smishing attacks trying to steal your personal info or install malware,” the alert stated. The Thruway Authority emphasized that legitimate texts come only from the number 39769. They recommend using the official app or visiting ezpassny.com to verify toll-related communications.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.