Safety officials are reminding New Yorkers to be mindful of scams, as fraudsters are exploiting the newly implemented congestion pricing and the Los Angeles wildfires.
New Yorkers have been donating to help families in L.A. who lost their homes, but in a news release, Attorney General Leticia James warned that “while it is inspiring to see so many New Yorkers eager to help, I encourage them to be cautious of sham charities that prey on people’s generosity.”
This comes as TollsByMailNY.com, the official website for paying tolls without an E-ZPass, has also posted an alert warning drivers of a text message scam called SMIShing.
Congestion pricing scams
Fraudsters use various tactics to trick drivers into sending money for fake payments or sharing their account passwords and bank or credit card information.
If you get a notice any time soon (or if you have already) about owing a late fee — it’s a scam. In an email with Epicenter NYC, the MTA says late fees are not being collected during the first 60 days of congestion pricing’s implementation. This means drivers who receive a toll bill in the mail but don’t pay it within 30 days will not see any late fees during that 60-day period.
1. SMiShing scam
TollsByMailNY.com says the SMiShing scam tricks drivers into believing they are paying for tolls on behalf of “NY Toll Services” and the Central Business District Tolling Program. This is not a legitimate text from E-ZPass, and you should not visit the website mentioned in the email. E-ZPass and any associated agencies will never ask for your social security number, date of birth or other personal information.
In addition, legitimate communications from E-ZPass will only refer customers to EZPassNY.com and TollsByMailNY.com.
2. Toll phishing
This is a scam where scammers send an email that looks like E-ZPass sent it and try to collect sensitive information from drivers.
The email may ask customers to download an invoice containing a list of unpaid tolls. Fraudsters will also use language urging drivers to pay or act immediately to avoid having their accounts suspended or being charged a fee. Don’t click the link telling you to download it, and don’t respond to the email. If you have a question about unpaid tolls, you can call E-ZPass at 800-333-8655.
Wildfire Scams
James warns people to be aware of bogus charities that may solicit donations. Her office provides these tips to ensure that any money donated to fire victims reaches them.
1. Verify who sent you an email
If you receive a donation request by email, don’t rush to give. First, verify which organization sent the email. Contact the charity directly or visit its website to confirm that it sent the request. If the email is a scam, it could link to a website that looks real but isn’t, so be sure to carefully examine its URL.
2. Think twice about social media donations
Before donating via a post or crowdfunding platform, dig deeper. Who’s organizing the fundraiser? Do you know them personally or trust their reputation? Research the platform’s terms and fees and read its FAQs to understand where your money is going. Don’t assume that a charity’s name or logo has been approved. Check with the charity to confirm their involvement.
3. Stick with charities you trust – or vet new ones thoroughly
Donate to organizations you know or have thoroughly vetted. The AG’s office says to check a website like disasterphilanthropy.org to find out “which charities are at the aid forefront.”
4. Be wary of new organizations
In times of crisis, new charities often pop up to address urgent needs. While many are well-meaning, others may be scams. If you’re considering giving to a new organization, do a thorough background check.
5. Confirm text-to-donate campaigns
Texting a donation is quick and convenient, but confirming the campaign’s legitimacy is critical first. Check the charity’s website or call to confirm it has authorized text message donations.
Additional resources
- Learn more about phishing scams from the Federal Trade Commission.
- File a complaint with the FBI if you’ve gotten any scammy text messages.
- Additional tips from the AG’s office about charity scams can be found on its website.
- To file a complaint about a charity or fundraising, visit the Charities Bureau website or call 212-416-8401.
Portions of this story were written by AI, and other portions were written by a member of the Epicenter NYC team. It was then edited by a human.
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