AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation is still fielding reports of fraudulent text messages targeting toll customers — and they aren’t alone.
The state transportation department confirmed Wednesday it has been tracking reports of fake texts over the past several months, linking back to an uptick in phishing efforts in September. Officials have been monitoring that fraudulent behavior since April 2024, TxDOT said back in the fall.
The continuous activity follows TxDOT transitioning its TxTag toll customer services over to the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA). That pivot began in November, with HCTRA handling all current and future toll billing services while TxTag will continue invoicing and collecting toll fees for transactions on or before Nov. 8, 2024.
Under HCTRA’s operations, the toll authority issues EZ TAGs for users on Texas toll facilities. That’s not to be confused with E-ZPass, a separate toll service that operates in nearly 20 other states (not including Texas).
Texas toll customers aren’t alone in being potential phishing targets. A similar fraudulent attempt honing in on E-ZPass customers has also been reported, with both messages targeting users for alleged unpaid toll invoices.
HCTRA cautioned customers to stay vigilant on potential phishing attacks and not open or respond to any emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear suspicious. The authority added customers should never provide personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords when prompted by suspicious messages.
Beyond toll operators and state agencies, the Federal Trade Commission is also monitoring phishing scams, noting in mid-January a rise in attempts from people posing as tolling agencies across the country. Suspicious messages can be reported using the “report junk” option on your phone, as well as forwarded by texting 7726 (SPAM), the FTC said.
