At EECU, we understand the importance of protecting your finances, especially in the face of increasingly sophisticated scams. One such scam that has become prevalent involves fraudulent text messages about toll road fees and unpaid bills. These scammer text messages can cause confusion and stress. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to recognize and respond to these scams effectively.
Recognizing the Unpaid Toll Scam Texts
Identifying scam texts is crucial in safeguarding your finances. Here are some key indicators to watch for:
- Suspicious links
- Vague or unspecified terms such as “The Toll Roads Team” or “The Toll Roads Notice”
- Verbiage that indicates the matter is urgent
Scammers often use urgent language to create a sense of panic, prompting you to act quickly without verifying the information. Be wary of messages that include phrases like "immediate action required" or "final notice" and contain links to unfamiliar websites. These scammer text messages are designed to trick you into providing personal information or making payments for toll fees you may not even owe.
Steps to Take If You Receive a Scam Text
If you receive a fraudulent text message about unpaid toll road fees, it's important to stay calm and follow these steps:
- Verify the Charges: Check your recent transactions or log into your toll road account online to confirm if the charges are legitimate. If you don't have an account, contact the toll road authority directly using contact information from their official website. You can view a comprehensive list of toll authorities in Texas through the Texas Senate’s official website.
- Report the Scam: If you determine the message is a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website. Inform your mobile carrier as well, as they can often block such messages from being sent in the future.
- Protect Your Information: Do not respond to the scam text or provide any personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank details. If you have already shared sensitive information, place a fraud alert on your credit report and monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity.
Following these steps will help you protect your finances and personal data from fraudulent text message scams involving toll road fees and unpaid bills.
At EECU, we are committed to helping our community stay safe and informed. If you have any concerns about potential scams or need assistance with your financial well-being, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via phone at (817) 882-0800 or via the “Chat With Us” button below. Your security is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.