What to Do If Someone Else Uses Your ETC?
3 Answers
If your vehicle's ETC is used by someone else when entering the highway, and it still fails to recognize after backing up and re-entering, you can switch to a manual lane and swipe your ETC card, which will still charge you normally. If your ETC is used by someone else when exiting the highway, simply contact the toll station staff to pass through the manual lane, and you won't be overcharged. Benefits of Installing ETC: Saves time by eliminating the hassle of waiting in line. Environmentally friendly, as vehicles pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, thereby minimizing pollution. Reduces wear and saves costs by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and brakes, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees. Improves efficiency, as ETC lanes theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
Discovering that your ETC has been used by someone else is indeed troublesome, but based on experience, it's important to stay calm. First, log into the official ETC app or call customer service to check recent travel records and confirm if there's any abnormal usage. Once confirmed, immediately freeze the account to prevent further losses, then contact the issuing bank to report the situation. They will guide you through canceling the old card and applying for a new one, which usually involves a small fee and takes a few days to process. Additionally, carefully review your billing statements to check for any unauthorized transactions to avoid missing anything. To prevent future issues, always keep your ETC card secure—avoid leaving it exposed on the windshield and store it in the glove compartment when parked. Regularly changing passwords and enabling SMS alerts can help prevent similar problems, especially since frequent highway use makes ETC cards a common target. Delaying action can lead to significant consequences.
My ETC card was also fraudulently swiped by a stranger last time, which made me furious but I had to act quickly. I immediately suspended the card via the mobile app and checked the historical transaction records, confirming several suspicious charges. Without delay, I called the ETC customer service hotline to report the unauthorized usage. They helped freeze my account and apply for a replacement card—costing a small fee but protecting my balance. Since then, I check my statements weekly to ensure no other fraudulent charges slip through. My advice: don’t hesitate—act fast to minimize losses. Avoid leaving your ETC card visibly exposed in the car; consider buying a shielding sleeve for added security. A friend faced the same issue, and sharing experiences has made us all more vigilant. With thieves getting craftier, these devices are easy targets.
