A few months ago we wrote about the TxTag text scam. Recently, a near-identical scam has been circulating, targeting drivers in Texas and Indiana, but this time via email. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this TxTag scam email and how to stay safe.

How the TxTag Scam Email Works

The method of this scam is essentially the same as the TxTag text scam, but via email instead. Drivers receive a bogus email falsely stating they have unpaid toll fees — normally between 5 and 10 dollars. The message includes a threat of penalties and vehicle registration restriction if the outstanding fees aren’t settled. Here’s what the email looks like:

The included “Pay Now” link is malicious: it leads to a phishing website designed to capture any sensitive information entered onto it. The scammers hope that by threatening penalties and registration restrictions, would-be victims will be enticed to click the malicious link and enter their sensitive information.

Content of the TxTag Scam Email

• Dear Customer, You have unpaid toll fees totaling $6.69. Failure to pay may result in penalties or vehicle registration holds. Click below to view and pay your balance:
  [Pay Now] Thank you, TxTag Customer Service

As mentioned, this TxTag scam has been targeting drivers in Texas and Indiana, with some people calling it the “TxTag Indiana scam”. However, whether you’re a Texan, Hoosier, or from anywhere else in the US, don’t be fooled by this TxTag scam!

TxTag Scam Email: How to Stay Safe

If you mistakenly provide your information on this phishing 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 an email, pause and verify its legitimacy. TxTag will never ask for payment via email or text message.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck: When you’re not sure if something’s a scam, check with Trend Micro ScamCheck! Here’s what ScamCheck thinks of the TxTag scam email:

• Check Official Sources: Visit the official TxTag website (txtag.org) directly (not through any links in the email).
• 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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