Attention drivers across Texas: if you've recently received a text message saying you have an outstanding toll road balance, you could be getting scammed!

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The FBI has issued an alert to drivers across Texas to beware of a smishing scam regarding debt for road toll services! Drivers in Texas have been reporting numerous complaints of text messages that say they have an unpaid toll road balance!

The FBI says the message will read something like this:

(State Toll Service Name): We've noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.

The FBI has also given tips on what to do if you do receive one of these texts; first and foremost: DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK! This is especially important if you know you haven't driven through a toll road recently!

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Then, the FBI says to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which you can find here. Be sure to include the phone number and website listed in the text.

If you have driven through a toll road recently, check your account using the toll service's legitimate website and then contact their customer service line about the scam text. And be sure to monitor your accounts. Lastly, you'll want to check your accounts just to make sure everything is fine.

If you've ever driven through a toll road, then you'll know that for some, they will bill you your balance and if you don't pay that balance, it will add up! And It adds up quickly- I speak from experience!

What is Smishing?

Smishing is a type of phishing attack where fraudsters use text messages (SMS) to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information or performing certain actions. The term "smishing" is a combination of "SMS" (Short Message Service, which is used for text messaging on mobile phones) and "phishing" (a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity).

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