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HCTRA cautions customers as toll charge phishing text scams surge

The HCTRA will never send you a text message regarding a toll payment

Nov. 7, 2024: Humble ISD police are investigating racist texts sent to students. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is alerting customers to be cautious amid a rise in toll text scams sweeping the nation.

These scams, which often appear legitimate, are designed to deceive recipients into providing personal information.

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Phishing scams frequently mimic local tolling agencies, making it essential for customers to be wary of any unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls regarding toll payments. It’s important to note that HCTRA does not send SMS text messages about billing and will never request payment information via text.

ALSO READ: Fake toll fee texts targeting drivers in Houston

To safeguard against these scams, drivers should verify the sender’s identity before responding, clicking on links, or opening attachments. HCTRA advises against sharing personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, through email or text.

For those who receive unsolicited messages about tolls, HCTRA recommends visiting their official website at hctra.org or using the EZ TAG app to check their accounts directly. Customers can also confirm any outstanding payments by contacting HCTRA’s customer service department at 281-875-3279.


About the Author
Michael Horton headshot

Michael is a Kingwood native who loves visiting local restaurants and overreacting to Houston sports. He joined the KPRC 2 family in the spring of 2024. He earned his B.A. from Texas A&M University in 2022 and his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023.

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