The Central Texas Regional Mobility was notified that “smishing scam text messages” were sent to the public on Thursday morning, April 16.
The scam message claimed there was an “outstanding toll amount” and linked to an unaffiliated website requesting personal financial information to settle outstanding balances, according to a news release from the organization.
The texts looked to be from “Texas Toll Services” and centered around urgent requests with customers’ accounts that would result in a late fee if the balance did not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country over the past weeks.
Smishing is “the practice of sending text messages to someone in order to trick the person into revealing personal or confidential information which can then be used for criminal purposes,” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
While customers can opt-in to legitimate Mobility Authority text messages reminding them of due dates and payment reminders, CTRMA texts do not include balances or ask for personal information. The organization advises customers should not respond to anyone if they have not given express consent to be contacted via text.
Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from the Mobility Authority or another toll agency should not click on the link.
Drivers who use Mobility Authority roadways should use approved safe methods to pay a Pay By Mail bill they’ve received in the mail by following links at www.mobilityauthority.com/pay-your-toll.
Residents who believe they have received a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov, a site dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to develop, deliver, operate and maintain high-quality roadways and related transportation solutions.
The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, the MoPac Express Lane, the 45 SW Toll Road and the 183 Toll Road. The agency is also constructing the Barton Skyway Ramp Relief, 183A Phase III, 183 North Mobility Projects. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.