US News : E-ZPass Toll Hikes and Text Scams Surge: What Drivers Need to Know
March 09, 2025 – As spring approaches, drivers across the United States are facing a double challenge: rising E-ZPass toll rates and a flood of fraudulent text messages impersonating toll authorities. From South Jersey to New York City, toll agencies are adjusting rates, while scammers exploit the system’s popularity to target unsuspecting motorists. Here’s what you need to know to navigate these changes and protect yourself.
Toll Rates on the Rise
Starting April 1, 2025, the Delaware Memorial Bridge in South Jersey will see a toll increase, with cash payments for passenger vehicles jumping from $5 to $6—a $1 hike aimed at encouraging more drivers to switch to E-ZPass, which remains steady at $4.75 per trip.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the bridge, is pushing for cashless tolling adoption amid a regional shift, as neighboring agencies like the Pennsylvania Turnpike have already gone fully electronic.
“This adjustment incentivizes E-ZPass usage, streamlining traffic and reducing costs,” a spokesperson said, noting that 70% of bridge users already rely on the electronic system.
Meanwhile, New York City’s congestion pricing zone, launched in January 2025, has sparked confusion among New Jersey drivers.
Many expected a discounted $9 E-ZPass toll and a $3 credit for using the Lincoln or Holland tunnels, only to receive bills for the full $13.50 rate. The issue? Outdated E-ZPass accounts. “Drivers must ensure their license plate and vehicle info are current,” advised the MTA, which oversees the program.
Debra Kessler of West Orange, for instance, was hit with $13.50 charges for 20 trips in January, highlighting the need for account vigilance as congestion pricing ramps up.
Text Scams Hit Overdrive
Compounding these changes is a surge in “smishing” scams—text messages posing as E-ZPass or other toll agencies like FasTrak and EZDriveMA. Drivers in states including Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Massachusetts have reported receiving messages claiming unpaid tolls, often with urgent demands like “Final Reminder: Pay $8.95 by March 10 or face legal action.” These texts typically include suspicious links leading to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) issued a warning on March 6, 2025, after a spike in complaints. “We don’t send toll bills via text,” said Camilia Barco, a Virginia DMV spokesperson. “If you’re unsure, check your account directly through official channels.”
In Ohio, where E-ZPass debuted statewide in 2024, scammers have capitalized on the transition, sending identical fraudulent notices. The Columbus Dispatch reported that the Ohio Turnpike advises drivers to verify balances at www.ezpassoh.com or by calling (440) 971-2222, rather than clicking unknown links.
The scam’s hallmarks are clear: random phone numbers (often with international codes like +44), shortened URLs, and small payment demands that mimic typical toll fees. “The urgency and low amounts trick people into acting without thinking,” warned Matene Toure of ZDNET on March 7. Even non-drivers have received these texts, underscoring their blanket distribution.
How to Stay Safe and Save
For toll payers, updating E-ZPass accounts is key to avoiding overcharges, especially in complex systems like New York’s congestion zone. The MTA recommends logging into www.ezpassny.com to confirm vehicle details. In South Jersey, switching to E-ZPass before April 1 could save drivers $1.25 per Delaware Memorial Bridge crossing.
To dodge scams, experts urge a simple rule: never click links in unsolicited toll-related texts. “Delete it and check your account through the official website,” said a Vienna Police Department statement on March 5.
If you suspect fraud, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov), including the sender’s number and any URL provided. Victims who’ve entered data should freeze bank accounts and change passwords immediately.
Looking Ahead
As toll agencies modernize and scammers adapt, drivers face a balancing act of cost and caution. The Delaware Memorial Bridge hike and NYC’s congestion pricing woes signal a broader push toward electronic tolling, while the text scam wave—active since at least 2021—shows no signs of slowing. Whether you’re crossing bridges or dodging phishing traps, staying informed is your best defense.
