140,254,692 TOTAL TRANSACTIONS PROCESSED 2,441,193 REGISTERED ACCOUNTS 6.9% INCREASE IN REGISTERED ACCOUNTS OUTREACH TEAM ATTENDED 118 EVENTS AND ENGAGED WITH MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE DRIVE Ez MD
Drive Ez MD Customer Service Center.
As 2025 unfolded, the MDTA faced a significant challenge with a surge in ongoing smishing scams targeting toll custom- ers. Reports flooded in about fraudulent messages claiming to be from Drive Ez MD or E-ZPass , warning residents of unpaid tolls and urging them to click on malicious links. On average, the Drive Ez MD customer call center received more than 500 calls a day about the smishing texts. Recognizing the urgent threat, the MDTA initiated a public- awareness campaign to educate customers about smish- ing. They emphasized that Drive Ez MD would never request payment via text and encouraged recipients to report suspicious messages. The campaign included information shared through so- cial media, email blasts, local news, community outreach events and on the Drive Ez MD website, highlighting how scammers exploit fear and urgency. “Spreading awareness was a collective effort,” noted Direc- tor of E-ZPass Operations Heather Koeberle, as community engagement and customer education became key to the MDTA’s approach. Workshops and information sessions were held, empowering citizens to remain vigilant. During the year, the MDTA saw a decline in scam reports, fostering greater trust within the community. A serious challenge was utilized as an opportunity for growth and resilience. The MDTA’s efforts served as a reminder of the importance of community action in the face of digital threats, reinforcing their commitment to keeping Maryland’s tolling system safe.
Complaints regarding smishing scams have de- creased from a height of nearly 750 a day to a mere 37 in late 2025. While the numbers demon- strate a decrease, the smishing attacks are an ever-present threat to Marylanders.
A smishing scam is a social engineering attack using fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware,
Reporting smishing texts to both Drive Ez MD and federal agencies will help target the originators of these scams. Detailed information on how to report smishing messages can be found at drive ez md.com/ smishing_scam/.
sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals.
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 23
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