Beware of Phony Toll Texts in Texas

News Summary

A surge of scam text messages targeting toll customers in Texas has raised concerns, as the Texas Department of Transportation warns recipients of fraudulent alerts claiming overdue toll fees. These texts often come with links urging immediate payment to avoid late fees, putting many at risk of identity theft. The Texas Department of Transportation emphasizes that they do not send such messages, advising recipients to be cautious and verify any suspicious bills directly with legitimate sources. Awareness and vigilance are vital to protect personal and financial information from these scams.

Beware of Phony Toll Texts in Texas

In Texas, it seems that toll customers are being hit hard by a surge of scam text messages that are making their rounds, leaving many people on edge. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has raised the alarm about these fraudulent messages that claim unsuspecting recipients owe toll fees. The scam is quite crafty, urging individuals to make immediate payments to avoid the dreaded late fees within a mere twelve hours. This crafty con is not just a small issue; it is seriously impacting a lot of people across the state.

What’s Happening?

So, here’s how it typically goes down: recipients of these scam texts often find themselves bombarded with one to three messages warning them about overdue toll fees. These messages aren’t just friendly reminders; they frequently come with a suspicious link that lures individuals into a trap. If you happen to click on that link and share any personal information, you could find your accounts compromised in no time. It’s a whole mess!

Keeping You Safe

TxDOT wants everyone to know that they would never send texts asking customers to settle past-due balances or alert them about unpaid bills. If you receive a text that seems nefarious, it’s best to keep your guard up. Don’t let the pressure of “urgent payment” trick you into doing something rash.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has stepped in, highlighting the importance of being vigilant. After receiving one of these suspicious texts, it’s a great idea to closely monitor your banking accounts and update your passwords. Additionally, reviewing your credit reports for any unusual activity could save you from a financial headache down the road.

What to Do If You’re Unsure

If you get a toll bill that raises your eyebrows, the best move is to directly contact the toll agency. But make sure you find the contact information yourself through a reliable source, not through any links in a suspicious text. Remember, TxDOT does not send out messages unless customers have opted in to receive emails and texts regarding their accounts.

Know Your Real TxDOT

Legitimate communications from TxDOT will always come from a verified number, specifically 22498. Be aware that they will never include urgent requests for payments. Keep your eyes peeled for any irregularities, such as strange numbers or urgent language; true communications from TxDOT should not be stressing you out!

Take Action

If you do fall victim to these scams, it’s crucial to report the fraudulent texts to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The BBB emphasizes the necessity of deleting any suspicious texts and steering clear of interacting with them. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

The Bigger Picture

In a related note, many reports are indicating that similar phishing scams are targeting users of toll systems like E-ZPass and more across the nation. Individuals from various locations—including North Austin, Killeen, and Pflugerville—have reported being duped, showcasing how widespread these scams have become.

What is Smishing?

The term “smishing” is being thrown around as a techy name for SMS phishing, where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations to obtain personal information. With new fraudulent websites popping up all the time, TxDOT is working diligently to track these phishing attempts and take them down quickly.

So, stay sharp, folks! Being informed is your best defense against these sneaky scams. Whether you’re taking a day trip or commuting to work, make sure you can travel without worrying about falling into a phishing trap. Protect yourself and keep your financial data safe!

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Additional Resources

• CBS Austin
• Wikipedia: Smishing
• KXAN
• Google Search: Texas Toll Scam
• KVUE
• Google Scholar: Text Message Scams
• FOX 7 Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Toll Scam
• Spectrum Local News
• Google News: Text Scam Warnings