Story perspectives

Nationwide Scam: Fake E-ZPass Texts Targeting Victims

3/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

MnDOT alerts the public about a nationwide scam involving fake texts regarding unpaid E-ZPass tolls.
Scammers impersonate MnDOT, falsely demanding urgent payments and personal information.
MnDOT never asks for personal details through text or email; recipients should delete suspicious messages.
Report any fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.
This scam targets random phone numbers and has persisted for over a year.

History

Historical Context

Scams involving fake toll notifications echo historical frauds like those perpetrated by con artist George C. Parker, who famously sold the Brooklyn Bridge. Such scams exploit public trust in infrastructure systems, reminiscent of medieval toll practices where travelers were charged for road use. Today, digital fraud has evolved, yet the core deception remains the same, targeting unsuspecting individuals for personal gain.

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Story summary

MnDOT alerts the public about a nationwide scam involving fake texts regarding unpaid E-ZPass tolls.
Scammers impersonate MnDOT, falsely demanding urgent payments and personal information.
MnDOT never asks for personal details through text or email; recipients should delete suspicious messages.
Report any fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.
This scam targets random phone numbers and has persisted for over a year.

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