LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Community members have reported an increase in internet fraud scams, including fraudulent E-ZPass text messages and spoofed phone calls impersonating local banks and credit unions. Experts say scammers are using deceptive tactics to steal personal and financial information. Here’s what people should look out for.
E-ZPass Spoofing Scam Targeting Maryland Drivers
An ongoing scam involves fraudulent text messages claiming to be from “E-ZPass Toll Services.” The messages direct recipients to click a link to pay an outstanding toll balance to avoid late fees. However, E-ZPass warns that these texts are fraudulent, and the toll account information they contain is neither valid nor accurate.
E-ZPass advises customers to delete the texts immediately and avoid clicking any links. Those who have entered personal information should contact their financial institution and notify DriveEzMD at 1-888-321-6824.
Smishing and Spoofing Attacks on Bank Customers
Residents have also reported receiving phone calls and text messages that appear to come from their financial institutions but are actually from fraudsters attempting to gain access to their accounts. To learn more about these scams and how to prevent them, The BayNet reached out to Cedar Point Federal Credit Union.
Aaron Chase, Security and Card Services Officer at Cedar Point, explained that scammers are using “spoofing” techniques to make fraudulent phone calls appear as if they are coming from the credit union’s official number.
“Primarily what we’re facing is a lot of these smishing text messages or spoofing calls,” Chase said. “They pretend to be Cedar Point Federal Credit Union and then trick [victims] into giving out their digital banking information.”
Scammers often convince victims to share verification codes, user IDs, or passwords by creating a false sense of urgency. In some cases, they initiate a “forgot password” request, and when the victim receives the verification code, they unknowingly provide it to the scammer, believing they are talking to a credit union representative. This allows the fraudster to take control of their account.
Check Fraud Still a Concern
In addition to phone and text scams, Chase warned that check fraud remains a problem.
criminals intercept checks mailed from postal mailboxes and alter them for fraudulent use.
“Just remember to be very careful where you’re placing checks,” Chase said. “Just monitor your accounts daily.”
How to Spot and Prevent Fraud
Chase and Kristin Kauffman, Chief Marketing Officer at Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, stressed the importance of being skeptical when receiving unexpected calls, texts, or emails.
“If you tell them you don’t feel comfortable giving that information out over the phone, they’ll hang right up,” Kauffman said. “If they hang up on you, that’s a big red flag.”
Chase added, “It’s almost to the point where you can’t trust anyone when it’s coming to you unexpectedly.”
Because scammers can spoof real phone numbers, they advised residents to verify calls by contacting their financial institution directly using official phone numbers.
“The credit union has protocols for fighting fraud, but the member is always the first line of defense,” Kauffman said. “The fraudster is always trying to exploit them, more so than they’re trying to attack the credit union.”
What to Do If You’re a Victim
Recovering stolen funds can be difficult.
“We do our best,” Kauffman said. “But the way that fraud law is set up now, it’s not easy to get the money back for a member who falls victim to fraud.”
Chase explained that while financial institutions work to prevent future incidents, once fraud occurs, they can only react and make adjustments to prevent similar cases.
“We can try to help and react to it by making changes within the credit union,” he said. “But once it’s happened, it’s more of a reaction.”
How to Protect Yourself
To reduce the risk of fraud, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union advises the following:
- Never click on links in unsolicited text messages or emails.
- Verify phone numbers and websites before entering personal information.
- Monitor your accounts daily for suspicious activity.
- Pause before taking action. If a message creates urgency or fear, take a moment to verify its legitimacy.
- Report fraud immediately to your financial institution and the appropriate agencies.
Those who believe they are victims of internet crime can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
“Just pause,” Chase advised. “Especially if you feel a sense of urgency. Just pause because we’re not going to create any kind of urgency or fear. Always just give us a call.”
The BayNet will continue to monitor and report on fraud trends affecting the community. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and stay informed through reliable sources, including their financial institutions and law enforcement agencies.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
