The Tech Friend: That unpaid toll text is a scam

A new twist in scamming are text messages that claim you have an unpaid toll and that may try to evade your phone’s security measures.

Officials in at least four states — New York, California, Massachusetts and Connecticut — have recently warned people about an apparent spate of texts with bogus payment demands for unpaid tolls.

Toll payment scams are an old favorite of crooks. New York officials have said some of the phony claims reference a new tolling program that aims to cut traffic in Manhattan.

The toll scam is a reminder of two realities: Criminals seize on whatever is topical or novel — such as a new toll you’re not used to paying — but they also use well-worn playbooks. That information can empower you to outwit scams.

Here’s what is going on with the zombie toll scam that never dies and how to protect yourself.

What’s happening with the latest toll scams

Some bogus texts have mentioned California’s FasTrak toll operator and EZDriveMA in Massachusetts.

Officials in New York said some texts have purported to come from “NY Toll Services,” a nonexistent entity. (Official state toll authorities are associated with E-ZPass and a legitimate website is TollsByMailNY.com.)

California’s attorney general said authorities don’t send text messages to people who don’t have accounts with state toll operators.