In recent days, numerous residents in Connecticut have reported receiving fraudulent messages claiming they owe money for an EZ Pass violation. One such recipient, Deb Paulson, immediately recognized the message as a scam and took swift action to delete and report it. Authorities are advising people to be vigilant and look out for red flags when receiving unsolicited messages from seemingly official sources. Experts suggest verifying the legitimacy of the contact information and taking immediate steps to protect personal data if any sensitive information has been compromised.

Fraudulent Messages Targeting Connecticut Residents

In the midst of a busy weekend, several individuals in Connecticut were alarmed by unexpected text messages demanding payment for alleged EZ Pass violations. One local resident, Deb Paulson, was among those who received such a message. According to Paulson, she promptly identified the communication as fake and followed her usual protocol for handling scam attempts. She emphasized the importance of recognizing unfamiliar contacts and using the device’s reporting features to prevent further spread of the scam.

Kaitlyn Krasselt, the communications director at the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, highlighted the sophistication of these scams, noting that they can often appear legitimate. She advised recipients to consider their recent activities and whether they had driven through tolls recently. If there is any doubt about the validity of the message, Krasselt recommended cross-referencing the provided contact information with known legitimate sources.

In the event that personal information has been disclosed, Krasselt urged victims to contact their credit card companies and place a freeze on their credit through one of the major credit reporting agencies. These precautions can help mitigate potential damage from identity theft or financial fraud.

From a reader's perspective, this incident serves as a timely reminder to remain cautious and skeptical of unsolicited communications, even when they appear to come from trusted institutions. By staying informed and following expert advice, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.