Have you received this text? It’s a scam.
Neighbors have reported receiving a text message from the Texas Department of Transportation, claiming users have an outstanding balance and need to pay via the provided link to avoid a late fee. Others received a similar text from the North Texas Tollway Authority. You guessed it, the texts are a scam.
The message claiming to be from TxDOT says the recipient’s “vehicle has been recorded using the Texas toll Roads. To avoid late fees of $35.00, please settle your balance by visiting the link below.” The one supposedly from NTTA says the recipient’s “recent journey On the North Texas express lanes has resulted in a charge of $4.15. Settle your balance promptly to prevent any additional late fees.”
In the cold light of day, the rip-offs seem clear enough, but our days are full and our minds are on millions of things at once. It would be easy to get sucked in and click on that link without thinking. Don’t do it.
“There have been multiple reports of TxTag customers receiving text messages claiming to have a balance due or past due,” TxDOT wrote on their website. “These SMS text phishing scams, also known as smishing, have been occurring since April, but appear to have increased recently. TxDOT is working to have fraudulent websites taken down in hopes of preventing customers from becoming victims.
“TxTag takes customer account security and verification very seriously. While TxTag currently communicates with customers via email, text and outbound phone calls, it will not send text messages regarding final payment reminders or past due balances. Any text messages sent to TxTag customers will be sent from 22498.
“TxDOT asks TxTag customers to be vigilant of these ongoing scams and contact TxTag Customer Service directly at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824, should customers receive an unsolicited text, email or message purporting to be from TxTag or another toll agency. They should also not click on or open any links.”
NTTA has issued a similar phishing alert. Customers may check their toll tag account online or call 972-818-6882. Drivers who believe they have received a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
Scammers posing as NTTA officials have demanded payment by text. Don’t fall for it.
