Protect Yourself from Fake Toll Charge Text Scams

Scammers are always finding new ways to deceive people, and now they are using fake toll charge text scams to target unsuspecting individuals. Fort Bend County Judge KP George recently issued a warning about this scam, urging everyone to stay vigilant.

The scam involves fraudsters pretending to be from toll agencies and claiming that you have overdue toll charges. They often send text messages with payment links, hoping to trick you into providing your personal information or making a payment.

If you receive such a text, Judge George advises against clicking on the payment link. Instead, contact the toll agency directly to verify the information. You should also report the message by forwarding it to 7726 and then deleting it from your phone.

According to a report from KVUE, the FBI has warned Texans about similar “smishing” messages in the past. These messages contain links that lead to fake websites impersonating toll services like TxTag, aiming to scam unsuspecting victims.

What to Do If You Receive a Toll Text

If you receive a suspicious toll text, take the following steps to protect yourself:

• File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and provide the phone number and website listed in the text.
• Monitor your accounts for any unfamiliar charges and be prepared to dispute them.
• Check the toll service’s website and contact their customer service line to report the scam.
• Delete any texts received to avoid falling victim to fraud.

Remember, never click on links in unsolicited messages, especially those claiming overdue payments or fees. Stay alert and protect your personal information from scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.

What is Smishing?

If you’re familiar with phishing attacks, smishing is a similar tactic that uses fake text messages to deceive individuals. Smishing, a combination of phishing and “short message service” (SMS), aims to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.

Stay informed and stay safe online by recognizing and avoiding smishing attempts. Report any suspicious messages and protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive tactics.