Ohio Turnpike Suspends Late Fees Amid Rising Scam Texts 🚨

Big news for Ohio Turnpike travelers: There's been a sudden halt on late fees, collections, and even BMV registration holds. The decision was made after a surge of scam texts targeting users, leaving many confused and overwhelmed.

Since July, the Ohio Turnpike Customer Service Center has been fielding numerous calls about unpaid toll invoices. To help sort out the genuine from the fraudulent, officials have suspended these charges, giving everyone a chance to get their ducks in a row.

What's the deal with the new toll system? 🚗 The Ohio Turnpike revamped its toll plazas in April. The new system allows E-Zpass drivers to breeze through without stopping. But this change has also seen a spike in scam texts demanding fake payments.

Called 'smishing' (a mix of SMS and phishing), these texts pretend to be official and urge you to click on suspicious links. The Ohio Turnpike has issued several warnings, reminding everyone that they never solicit payments through texts.

If you get an invoice and need assistance, here's what to do: Visit ezpassoh.com, click 'Contact Us,' and submit the online form. A customer service rep will reach out through email or phone. Simple and secure.

No E-Zpass? No worries! Just be sure to follow the overhead signs when entering toll plazas, choose the right toll booth lane, and pay your toll at the booth. For E-Zpass users, ensure your transponder is visible on your windshield and keep your info updated.

Feeling scammed? Report any suspicious texts to the FBI’s IC3 website. Include details like the number where the text originated and the website mentioned in the message. Always use the toll service's official website to check your account.

To dodge these scams, never click on unfamiliar links or respond to unknown numbers. Keep your device and security apps up to date and consider anti-malware software for added protection. If you do get a scam text, delete it immediately and secure your info if you’ve already interacted with it.

Stay vigilant, Ohio Turnpike travelers! Scammers are always cooking up new ways to trick unwary customers. A little caution goes a long way.