Delaware
E-ZPass text scam targets Delaware drivers with fake toll payment messages
Delaware residents continue to be warned to watch out for a widespread text message scam targeting E-ZPass users.
State officials warned residents about an ongoing text message scam targeting E-ZPass holders, following a surge in fraudulent messages demanding immediate toll payments.
The scam begins with a text message that appears to be from an E-ZPass toll system, claiming the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls. The message typically includes a link and threaten higher late fees if payment isn’t made immediately.
But it’s not the toll money scammers are after—it’s your identity.
Although the links appear to be from legitimate toll services, they redirect users to malicious websites designed to collect financial and personal data.
State and federal officials respond to complaints
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center began documenting complaints about toll-related smishing texts in early March 2024. The agency said fraudulent messages impersonate multiple road toll collection services, including E-ZPass and EZDriveMa.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, issued a public notice in February 2025 alerting customers to the scam following a spike in reports of these fraudulent text messages. Authorities emphasized that E-ZPass Delaware never contacts customers via text or email for violation payments or account funding. DMV Director Amy Anthony cautioned that phishing scams are designed to create panic and trick recipients into acting impulsively.
How to report suspicious messages
Residents can report fraudulent texts through three channels:
- Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM)
- Report through their messaging app’s spam reporting feature
- File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov)
Officials advise that if you believe you may owe money to E-ZPass, use your usual login method to check your account directly on the official website and never through a link in a text.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
Delaware
State Police Arrest Magnolia Man for Pointing Gun at School Bus – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware
Date Posted: Friday, June 12th, 2026
The Delaware State Police have arrested 62-year-old Charles McCombs, of Magnolia, Delaware, for aggravated menacing after he pointed a gun at students on a school bus.
On June 9, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the School Resource Officer assigned to Polytech High School was notified by school administration of a cell phone video that showed a man pointing a gun at students on a school bus. During the investigation, detectives learned that earlier in the day, while traveling on Peachtree Run near Millchop Lane in Magnolia, a student on the school bus sprayed water from a water gun at a man riding a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle while it was next to the bus. After the being sprayed with water, the motorcyclist yelled at the students, pulled a gun, and pointed it at the school bus as it drove away.
Through investigative means, detectives identified the suspect as Charles McCombs and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
On June 11, 2026, McCombs was taken into custody without incident and taken to Troop 3. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $48,000 secured bond.
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 6 counts
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Delaware
Third Circuit Dismisses Delaware Appeal in DHS Records Clash
A federal appeals court will no longer hear a dispute between Delaware and the Department of Homeland Security over a subpoena for wage data from 15 businesses in the state.
The case is moot after Delaware officials turned over relevant employer records on May 28, Delaware Department of Justice attorneys told the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in an unopposed motion Thursday to dismiss the appeal.
The Third Circuit granted that motion the same day.
Delaware’s Department of Labor had opposed the DHS subpoena aimed at work-site enforcement investigations. State officials, including Gov. Matt Meyer (D) and …
Delaware
City of Wilmington moves forward with evicting homeless park residents
What are journalists missing from the state of Delaware? What would you most like WHYY News to cover? Let us know.
The city of Wilmington said Thursday that homeless residents of Christina Park must be gone by sunset Monday. Then, officials said they will erect a perimeter fence to block anyone from entering the site.
Wilmington officials issued eviction notices last month to park inhabitants about a month after requiring them to use city tents. The first tents were flimsy and failed during their first night in use after an overnight downpour, prompting the city to purchase sturdier replacements for residents.
When asked at a news conference whether park residents have been informed about the sunset deadline for leaving, Daniel Walker, Mayor John Carney’s deputy chief of staff, said they told the park’s site manager, the Friendship House, a local nonprofit.
Local housing advocate Meryem Dede, who heads the nonprofit TideShift Justice, said communications from the city have been changing day to day.
“The biggest thing is there’s just mass confusion in the park on what’s happening,” Dede said.
Carney’s office is highlighting the number of homeless park residents it says it is working to place in temporary housing or treatment programs.
Walker said out of 85 park residents, it has placed, or is trying to place, about 52 people in some kind of temporary housing or treatment program. City and Friendship House staff say park residents have been connected to beds at the New Castle Hope Center, a New Castle motel, as well as other shelters and treatment programs. A few people have also found permanent housing or plan to stay with family or friends.
Walker said that leaves 31 residents, with 12 of those interested in supportive services. But that still leaves 19 people who he said don’t want to leave the park.
Carney said they are trying to convince them to leave by the deadline.
“What we have to offer is better than a tent in Christina Park, and so getting people to make that choice, to take that step, is a big deal,” he said.
Those who fail to leave the park could face arrest. But Carney and other city officials would not spell out how they will get people who don’t want to leave to depart without the use of force.
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