From Staff, Wire Reports

Texting scams are targeting toll customers in Texas saying they’re from TxTag, and the Texas Department of Transportation is warning residents to be on the lookout.

There have been multiple reports of TxTag customers, including East Texas residents, receiving text messages claiming to have a balance due or past due. These SMS text phishing scams, also known as smishing, have been occurring since April but appear to have increased recently, according to TxDOT.

TxDOT representatives said they are working to have fraudulent websites taken down in hopes of preventing customers from becoming victims.

People who receive these fraud messages should never click on or open any links.

TxTag takes customer account security and verification very seriously. 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.

Emails and texts are sent to the email address and/or the phone number that customers provide in their account. Customers are required to opt into email and/or text notifications in order to receive emails and/or texts from TxTag. If customers are unsure if they are opted into email and/or text notifications, they can log into their TxTag online account or contact TxTag customer service to confirm.

TxTag requires all customers to confirm their account information and verify their identity before providing any information to ensure they are speaking with the correct person on the account.

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. Additionally, anyone who receives an unsolicited text, email or message pretending to be from TxTag or another toll agency should contact TxTag Customer Service directly at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-468-9824.

Similar scam texts are being received across the country, including some from the IRS about a $1,400 “Economic Impact Payment” for you.

In these instances, recipients are urged to click “Report Junk” or delete the text message.

“The common thread in these scams is that they often demand immediate payment,” according to a smishing warning from SunPass, a legitimate toll service based in Florida. “By forcing you to act quickly, you are less likely to question the request. Don’t be rushed.”

The texters don’t want to you to send them your money. They want you to send them the tools to take your money — your personal information.

“Please provide your accurate, personal information,” the fake IRS text requests. “We will deposit the amount into your bank account or mail a paper check within one to two business days.”

An official-looking link ends with “.gov,” which previous federal agency fraud warnings told users to look for at the end of a federal agency web address. But the fake text link’s “.gov” comes in the middle of the address. It means nothing other than designating this link as hook-and-bait for a fraud victim.

Common signs of smishing

• Claiming payment information problems.
• Invoices telling you to contact the sender.
• Asking for your name, address, Social Security number or credit card numbers.