Scam texts lead Ohio Turnpike to suspend unpaid fees from new toll system. What to know
Mariyam MuhammadThe Ohio Turnpike announced they will suspend all late fees and collections for customers who received invoices and Ohio BMV registration holds, according to their website.
Ohio Turnpike has a new toll system
The Ohio Turnpike changed its toll systems and built new toll plazas in April, which allows E-Zpass drivers to pass through without stopping, according to the Turnpike website.
The Turnpike has received an influx of calls from customers about unpaid toll invoices. Coupled with continued smishing scams texts asking for money for unpaid tolls, the organization has suspended all late fees and registration holds to give customers time to adjust to the new toll system.
What to do when you reach a toll plaza
If you don't have an E-Zpass, it's important to pay attention to where you should go with the new toll system. When entering a toll plaza, make sure to:
- Follow the overhead signs when entering the toll plaza
- Enter the correct toll booth lanes
- Stop at the toll booth and pay the toll
E-Zpass users can no longer wave their pass at a toll booth as the systems have changed. If you have an E-Zpass, be sure to:
- Place an E-Zpass transponder on your windshield (make sure it's visible)
- Make sure to keep your information (contact information, vehicle license plate number(s), credit cards, and email address) up to date.
Receive an invoice and need further guidance? Reach the Ohio Turnpike online
Concerned about an invoice or unpaid toll? The Ohio Turnpike asks customers to speak to a representative by visiting the login page of its website and clicking 'Contact Us'.
Beware of toll fee scams, or 'smishing'
If you’ve received a text from the Ohio Turnpike about unpaid tolls recently, beware that it could be a widespread scam.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission wants to warn people about the resurgence of these scams, known as “smishing” (SMS and phishing) attacks, where scammers act as tollway authorities to request money and information from customers.
How to know when you’re being scammed with a fake Ohio Turnpike text
The FBI provided an example of what a smishing text could look like:
"(State Toll Service Name): We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance."
In an email, the Ohio Turnpike tells customers that it will never ask its customers to make payments by text and that collections of unpaid tolls and toll violations do not occur by text.
Ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org are the only websites associated with the Ohio Turnpike’s E-ZPass accounts.
Ohio Turnpike scams became known in April 2024
The Turnpike Commission first learned of the smishing attempts in April and has since emphasized that the Ohio Turnpike does not request or collect payments by text. It warns motorists about fake text messages intended to swindle their recipients and trick them into revealing personal information, including bank and credit card info, to fraudsters.
How can I avoid smishing scams?
The Federal Communications Commission's website lists tips so that you can avoid falling for smishing scams:
- Never click links, reply to text messages or call numbers you don't recognize
- Do not respond, even if the message requests that you "text STOP" to end messages
- Delete all suspicious texts
- Make sure your smart device's OS and security apps are updated to the latest version
- Consider installing anti-malware software on your device for added security
- Protect any sensitive personal information, such as bank accounts, health records and social media accounts, by using multifactor authentication to access it
How do I report a smishing scam text to the FBI?
The FBI recommends that you take the following actions if you encounter a smishing text message:
- File a complaint with the IC3 and be sure to include:
- The phone number where the text originated.
- The website listed within the text
- Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website
- Contact the toll service's customer service phone number
- Delete any smishing texts received
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, make efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges
Alex Perry contributed to reporting