Scams Target Toll Road Users in Multiple States

A surge in text message scams targeting toll road users has been reported across various regions, including Texas and Kansas. These 'smishing' scams falsely claim recipients have unpaid tolls and prompt them to click fraudulent links, potentially compromising personal and financial information. Both the Texas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority have confirmed that they do not send unsolicited text messages regarding toll payments. Authorities urge recipients not to click on any links and to report such messages to the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center. In Houston, the Harris County Toll Road Authority emphasizes that they never use text messages for billing notifications. Officials advise the public to verify any toll-related communications directly with their respective agencies to avoid falling victim to these scams.