Drivers in Houston are being warned about a scam involving fraudulent text messages that claim to be from toll agencies.
The messages urge recipients to make immediate payments for supposed toll violations, but officials confirm these texts are fake and an attempt to steal personal and financial information.
How the Scam Works
The scam texts appear legitimate, often mimicking official toll agencies. However, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) and other toll agencies stress that they never send text messages requesting payment for toll violations or outstanding fees.
Tracy Jackson, Assistant Director of Communications for HCTRA, says the first step drivers should take if they receive such a message is to verify directly with the agency.
”The first thing you should do is contact our customer service department and find out whether or not you actually have any outstanding fees,” Jackson told KPRC 2.
She also urges drivers to set up an EZ TAG account through hctra.org or the EZ TAG app to independently track toll balances.
Additionally, Jackson made it clear that HCTRA does not use text messages for billing notifications.
”HCTRA does not text regarding billing under any circumstances. So if you get a text message from someone impersonating us, that’s the first red flag,” she said.
How Officials Are Responding
To combat the scam, HCTRA has been posting alerts on its website and social media channels. The FBI has also issued a public warning about similar text message scams and is advising the public to report any suspicious activity.
Are People Falling for the Scam?
Jackson says only a small number of people have reached out after receiving the scam texts, but fortunately, those who contacted the agency were able to avoid being scammed.
”The ones who reach out to us don’t fall for it because they knew enough to verify with us first,” she said. For those who have provided personal information, Jackson strongly urges them to:
- 🚨 Contact law enforcement to file a report.
- 🏦 Notify their bank to secure their accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
Authorities recommend the following steps to avoid falling for this scam:
- Ignore and delete any suspicious text message claiming to be from a toll agency.
- Do not click on any links in the message.
- Do not provide any personal or financial information.
- Verify your toll account by visiting the official HCTRA Website using the EZ TAG app.
If you receive a suspicious message, officials urge you to report it to HCTRA and law enforcement immediately.
