Officials Warn Nationwide About Fraudulent Toll Text Scam

Authorities across the U.S. are warning the public about a surge in scam text messages claiming unpaid tolls, which aim to steal money and personal information. The messages often threaten fines and request immediate payment through a dubious link, leading to potential identity theft if clicked. The Harris County Attorney's Office emphasizes that legitimate toll agencies, like TxTag and E-ZPass, do not send texts regarding unpaid fees. Similar alerts have been issued by officials in states such as California and New York, where residents have reported receiving these fraudulent messages. Consumers are advised to verify any suspicious communications by contacting toll agencies directly and to refrain from clicking on links in unexpected texts. Reporting such scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center is also recommended to help combat these fraudulent activities.