AUSTIN, Texas — Texas drivers are being warned about a surge in scam texts claiming people are evading tolls.
The latest scam targets TxTag customers regarding outstanding outstanding and unpaid tolls on the driver’s account.
In the warning, the person impersonating TxTag states that to avoid late fees, the driver must pay within 12 hours or the toll violations will be increased and reported to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. It also shares what appears to be a link to TxTag and a personal message from the “Toll Roads team” wishing you a great day.
However, TxDOT confirms these messages are a scam and that you won’t have a great day if you respond.
It’s an ongoing issue that TxDOT and the FBI first reported in April 2024. The recent spike in text messages continues to target TxTag customers, who have already been transitioned to the Harris County Toll Road Authority.
If TxTag needs to text a customer, all messages will be sent from a 22498 number, but the messages will never be regarding any billing concerns.
TxTag and the Harris County Toll Road Authority want to remind users that they will never text users regarding unpaid toll violations.
If you get the text message, you’re asked to delete it or report by phone to TxDOT or online to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Meanwhile, if confusion remains regarding the legitimacy of a text message, Texas drivers can call customer service directly at 1-888-468-9824 or visit TxTag’s website.
TxDOT shared it’s also working to take down fraudulent websites that impersonate its services to help prevent more drivers from becoming victims.