**Beware of ‘Smishing’ Scams: MassDOT Issues Warning**
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is warning customers to be wary of potential text message scams, which have become more common. The scams are known as “smishing,” which is “a mashup of SMS — for ‘short message service’ — and phishing,” according to a scam guide from the FCC.
**MassDOT Issues Advisory on Smishing Scams**
MassDOT recently posted an advisory about the scam to its website after observing a rise in such fraudulent activities. The scams specifically target users of EZDriveMA, MassDOT’s electronic tolling program. The department emphasized that EZDriveMA will never request payment via text message and that all legitimate links will include the official EZDriveMA website URL.
**Boston Police Also Warn of Scam**
This warning from MassDOT follows a series of similar alerts from the Boston police department regarding an unpaid parking ticket scam. In this scam, individuals receive text messages claiming they have overdue parking tickets and are directed to click on suspicious links that lead to fraudulent websites.
**Tips to Avoid Falling Victim**
To protect themselves from falling prey to smishing scams, individuals are advised to ignore unfamiliar links, refrain from responding to suspicious messages, delete any texts that seem questionable, and install anti-malware software on their devices. These proactive measures can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of these fraudulent schemes.
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Have you ever received a text message that seemed a bit off? Maybe it claimed you owed money for something you didn’t recognize or asked for personal information in a suspicious way. In today’s digital age, scammers are getting more creative in their attempts to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
One such scam to watch out for is ‘smishing,’ a term coined to describe phishing scams conducted through text messages. MassDOT recently issued a warning about smishing scams targeting users of the EZDriveMA program. Remember, EZDriveMA will never ask for payment via text, so if you receive such a message, it’s likely a scam.
To stay safe, be cautious of any unfamiliar links, avoid engaging with suspicious messages, delete any texts that raise red flags, and consider installing anti-malware software on your devices. By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly common scams. Stay safe out there!
