Harris County Toll Road Authority Warns of Rampant Text Message Scams

Warning About Toll Scams

• ⚠️ Harris County Toll Road Authority (Hecta) never sends text messages requesting payment for tolls.
• 💡 If you receive a text message claiming to be from Hecta, it is a scam.

Scam Tactics and Reach

• 🎣 The phishing scam first appeared last summer and has significantly increased in frequency.
• 💬 Hecta employees and KPRC News viewers have reported receiving these fraudulent texts regularly.
• 📧 Hecta communicates via email or traditional mail for invoices, but never through text messages.

Fake Payment Sites

• 💻 Scammers create fake or spoofed Hecta payment sites that closely resemble the official website.
• 💳 Entering credit card or banking information on these fraudulent sites is how scammers steal your money.

Verification and Reporting

• 📞 If you are unsure about a toll notice, call Hecta directly to verify independently.
• 🗑️ Delete and report any suspicious text messages you receive.