We’ve previously reported on various toll scams across the country. This week, a new version has surfaced targeting Texas drivers through TxTag. To learn everything you need to know about this TxTag scam and how to stay safe, keep on reading.

How the TxTag Text Scam Works

Drivers receive a fraudulent text message claiming they have an unpaid toll bill. The message includes a threat of late fees and DMV reporting if the bill isn’t settled within 12 hours. Here’s what the message looks like:

The included link is malicious: the website it directs to is designed to capture any sensitive information entered onto it. By exploiting the fear of accumulating late fees and DMV reporting, scammers are hoping it will entice you to click the link and enter your sensitive information.

Content of the TxTag Scam Text

• The Toll Roads Notice of Toll Evasion: You have an unpaid toll bill on your account. To avoid late fees, pay within 12 hours or the late fees will be increased and reported to the DMV. <URL> (Please reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your Safari browser and open it) The Toll Roads team wishes you a great day!

TxTag Text Scam: How to Stay Safe

If you mistakenly provide your information on this bogus site, scammers could potentially commit financial fraud or identity theft under your name. TxTag has issued a warning about this scam, advising that they never request payment for due balances via email or SMS.

If you receive any unexpected payment requests, the best practice is to directly contact the purported source through official channels. Generally, if you weren’t anticipating a charge, consider it suspicious.

• Stay Cautious: If you receive such a text, pause and verify its legitimacy. TxTag will never ask for payment via text message.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck: When you’re not sure if something’s a scam, check with Trend Micro ScamCheck! Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection fro. Here’s what ScamCheck thinks of the TxTag text message:

• Check Official Sources: Visit the official TxTag website (txtag.org) directly (not through any links in the text message).
• Report Scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant authorities.

If you’ve made a payment already, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the charges.

ScamCheck: Your All-in-One Defense Against Scams

Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology. Stay secure and scam-free.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

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