NH warns of E-ZPass scam

CONCORD — State law enforcement officials said they are stepping up coordination with federal authorities to investigate ongoing scam targeting E-ZPass users in New Hampshire and the region.

New Hampshire’s Department of Justice is now working with the Federal Trade Commission to help residents “report the scams more efficiently and share relevant complaint data to identify patterns and disrupt scam operations,” state Attorney General John Formella said in a news release on Tuesday.

In March, a consumer alert jointly was issued by the New Hampshire DOJ, Department of Transportation, and Division of Motor Vehicles warning residents of a text-message scam that falsely claims unpaid tolls will be reported to the DMV, prompting consumers to make fraudulent payments.

The scam involves fake text messages that appear to come from “E-ZPass,” threatening additional fees or DMV consequences if immediate payment is not made. Officials emphasize that NH E-ZPass does not send payment requests via text message and any legitimate communication about tolls or registration holds will only come through the mail, the E-ZPass NH website or the app.

People report can now report scams directly to the FTC via the online portal at reportfraud.ftc.gov.