Fraudulent and impersonated Texas toll road services are being used in text message phishing scams

(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – Recently, reports have been streaming into BBB Scam Tracker from Texas residents regarding suspicious text messages claiming the recipient has an unpaid toll road balance. While many people who receive the text message can quickly identify it as fraudulent because they have not driven on a toll road, others who regularly use this service are being tricked into providing sensitive information or paying a fee. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center – known as IC3, TxTag and other toll road services have issued warnings regarding the increase in this phishing scam.In most reports to BBB, residents describe receiving a text message that claims an unpaid balance of $7.79 must be paid or a $150 fine would be applied to their account. The message includes a link to an unrecognized website that appears to be a payment portal for the outstanding bill.How to avoid text message phishing scamsVerify your outstanding toll balance. If you’ve driven on a toll road recently and expect a bill, check your account on the service’s official website or by contacting them through their customer service line. Avoid following links provided in a text message, calling a phone number provided in...