The Federal Trade Commission, FBI, and toll tag authorities are warning consumers about a scam that has become prevalent across America, including in North Texas.
Scammers pretending to be tolling agencies are sending out texts demanding money, claiming the recipient has unpaid tolls and must pay immediately to avoid excessive late fees. The message may show a dollar amount the consumer supposedly owes and a link that takes the victim to a page to enter their credit card information.
The scammer’s goal is not only to steal your money but also to gain access to your personal information, such as a driver’s license number, so they can steal your identity, the FTC reported.
The scam has been ongoing in the U.S. for quite some time, according to the FBI. In March 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center reported receiving more than 2,000 complaints related to toll road “smishing” scams in three states, noting that the scam appeared to be moving from state to state.
The FBI used the term “smishing” — a combination of “short messaging service” and “phishing” — to describe the practice of sending fake SMS messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.
Recently, many North Texans have been on the receiving end of these “smishing” attacks. The North Texas Tollway Authority currently has a customer alert posted on its website about the issue.
“Receive a suspicious text or email claiming to be a tolling agency? The FBI advises: DO NOT click on links or reply. Immediately delete the message. If you have questions about your NTTA account, log in to check your account information,” the alert advises.
Similarly, the Texas Department of Transportation has issued a press release warning TxTag customers to beware of texting scams.
“There have been multiple reports of TxTag customers receiving text messages claiming to have a balance due or past due. These SMS text phishing scams, also known as smishing, have been occurring since April, but appear to have increased recently,” TxDOT reported in September. “TxDOT is working to have fraudulent websites taken down in hopes of preventing customers from becoming victims.”
TxDOT warned consumers not to click on any links in suspicious texts but instead contact TxTag customer service directly at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824.
Consumers who believe they have received a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.