Alert: New York warns of increasing scams for personal info

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Scammers are targeting New Yorkers with fake text messages and websites, masquerading as government agencies to demand payment of fraudulent fines and fees for traffic tickets or E-ZPass. They’re trying to steal money directly and indirectly by accessing personal information for fraud like identity theft and account takeovers.

Governor Kathy Hochul and other state officials issued warnings about the increase of such scams on Thursday. They said the culprits use phony websites and texts designed to look official, but the Department of Motor Vehicles doesn’t communicate outstanding balances this way, by sending texts asking for payment.

Officials from the DMV, the Thruway Authority, and the Department of State are raising awareness about recognizing scams and fraud. They said the bogus texts usually pressure people into paying quickly, within a short window, to prevent an imminent suspension on their driver’s license or E-ZPass. They offered several ways to avoid becoming a victim:

• Be Cautious: Do not click links that claim to be from trusted sources if you have any doubt
• Check the Website: Real communications will only direct customers to the official E-ZPass or DMV websites with accurate URLs
• Spot the Signs: Watch for poor spelling, bad grammar, and threats
• Do Not Use Email: Legitimate businesses don’t ask to email personal sensitive information

The Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection also suggested using different, complex passwords for each account, enabling extra security measures like fingerprint or facial recognition, not automatically saving passwords on a computer, and not clicking on free downloads from pop-up ads.

Secretary of State Walter Mosley said cyber-enabled fraud is evolving to target unsuspecting consumers. Plus, according to a June 2025 report from the Identity Theft Resource Center, account takeover incidents are on the rise. That’s why Mosley called prevention the “first and best line of defense” against fraud.

Catherine Sheridan, MTA Bridges and Tunnels President, said that texts from names like “NY Toll Services” or “from an unknown number instructing them to pay the Congestion Relief Zone toll” are fake.

One way scammers access online accounts is phishing, pretending to be a trusted organization to trick someone into giving them personal information. Other ways include sending malicious software links, guessing weak passwords, using information from data breaches, and transferring a victim’s phone number to a SIM card they control.

If you think your online account was taken over, act fast:

• Change Your Password: If you still have access to the account and every other account, come up with new passwords. Contact your email provider if that account was affected.
• Contact Financial Institutions: Check your statements for charges you did not make, and if your bank or credit card account was compromised, report it right away.
• Notify Contacts: Tell your contacts to be careful about any suspicious messages they get from your email or social media accounts accessed by a scammer, including not answering personal questions or clicking links.co
• Freeze Your Credit: Contact either Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion to put a fraud alert on your account and/or security freeze on your credit report.
• Report the Fraud: Report scams or suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission and cases of identity theft to identitytheft.gov.

The Division of Consumer Protection also offers voluntary mediation between consumers and businesses to help resolve issues. Their Consumer Assistance Helpline is (800) 697-1220.