Is TXTag texting you about an unpaid toll bill? How to know if you're being scammed
Did you get a text message demanding that you pay a toll bill within 48 hours or less using the payment link provided?
A phishing scam is going around that could put many Texans' personal information at risk. TxDOT and the Better Business Bureau have warned people to be aware of fake text messages asking them to pay unpaid toll fees.
If you've received any of these texts, here is what you need to know.
Even if someone has unpaid toll fees, Adam Hammons, TxDOT media relations director, said the agency does not send out notices through text about a past due bill notice.
According to TxDOT, 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 are also known as smishing.
Here's how to know you're getting scammed:
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.
If a customer receives a phone call, email or text message they believe may be a scam, they should contact TxTag customer service directly at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824.
Anyone who believes they have received a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
If you're getting weird texts and phone calls and numbers you don't recognize, there could be smishing attempts to scam you.
Smishing is a form of phishing, the fraudulent practice of sending messages disguised as a reputable source to induce individuals to reveal personal and/or financial information, such as social security numbers, credit and debit card numbers, and account passwords.
Smishing, specifically, is done through text messaging.
A victim of smishing typically receives a deceptive text message from a scammer pretending to be a government agency, bank, or other institution, like the USPS.
If you believe you have received a deceptive message from a sender disguised as the USPS, report the message via email to spam@uspis.gov. Take the following steps to file a report:
Without clicking the link, copy the body of the message and paste it into a new email.
Attach a screenshot of the text message showing the sender's phone number and the date the message was sent.
Include your first and last name in the email.
Include any other relevant details. For example, if you clicked the link and provided personal or financial information or lost money, share these details.
Forward the text message to 7726 (SPAM).
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will contact you if further information is needed.
If you receive a smishing message unrelated to the USPS, forward the message to 7726 and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Getting texts about TXTag toll bills? How to know if it's a scam
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