If you’ve gotten a random text saying you owe a toll for the Elizabeth River Tunnels, you’re not alone and you’re right to be suspicious. A growing number of people in Virginia and nearby areas have reported scam texts pretending to be from Elizabeth River Tunnels or EZPass, claiming they owe money and need to pay immediately.
These messages look official, but they’re part of a scam. Let’s break down how the scam works, how to spot it, and what to do if you accidentally fall for it.
How the Scam Works
The scam usually starts with a text message that looks like it’s from a tolling agency, sometimes from “ERT,” sometimes “EZPass VA.” The message might say you owe a toll or have a late fee, and it includes a link to click and pay.
Here’s the problem: the message is fake, and the link goes to a phishing site/website designed to look like the real thing but set up by scammers. The page often mimics the look of the official Elizabeth River Tunnels or EZPass site, right down to the logos and layout.
Once you’re there, the site might ask for your name, credit card number, login info, or even your Social Security number all under the impression that you’re just paying a toll or logging into your account.
Sometimes, people who make a payment even get a fake confirmation screen or email. It makes you think everything has been handled until you notice strange charges on your card or start getting spammed elsewhere.
The bottom line? These scam sites don’t pay any real tolls and they just take your money (and possibly your identity) and disappear.
Signs You’re Looking at a Scam
Here’s how to tell a scam text from a real one:
You weren’t expecting it. If you haven’t used the tunnels or driven on toll roads recently, a text about unpaid tolls should raise a red flag.
Weird or unofficial-looking links. The legit Elizabeth River Tunnels site is www.driveert.com. If the link looks unfamiliar or ends in “.info,” “.net,” or anything odd, don’t click it.
Urgent tone. Scammers love pressure. Phrases like “final notice” or “pay immediately” are meant to make you act fast before you think things through.
Missing personal details. If the message doesn’t mention your name, account number, or car info, it’s probably fake.
Spelling or grammar issues. Many scam messages contain typos or strange wording — another red flag.
What to Do If You Get One
If you get one of these messages:
- Don’t click any links. Just opening the site could be risky.
- Don’t respond. Replying can confirm your number is active, which may lead to more scams.
- Report it. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile provider. You can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to Elizabeth River Tunnels directly via their customer service.
- Block the number. Most smartphones let you block numbers right from the text.
If you already clicked the link or entered your info, take action right away:
- Contact your bank or card provider. Let them know what happened and ask them to monitor or freeze the account if needed.
- Change your passwords. Especially if you used the same one elsewhere.
- Watch your credit. You may want to place a fraud alert or freeze your credit to be safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Elizabeth River Tunnels scam texts are slick and they use fear, urgency, and familiarity to get you to click without thinking. But now that you know what to look for, you’re better equipped to spot a fake.
The real ERT toll system does not randomly text people for payments without prior notices, and their real site is driveert.com. If anything ever feels off, skip the link and go directly to the official website yourself.
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