If you've recently received messages about unpaid tolls claiming to be from 'TxTag Indiana,' you're not alone. Many Indiana residents have reported a surge of suspicious emails and texts, highlighting the need for increased awareness. In this article, we'll explain the rise of these txtag indiana scams, how to identify them, and what actions you should take to protect yourself.
The so-called txtag indiana scam involves fraudulent messages sent to residents, typically via email or text. These messages falsely claim you owe unpaid tolls and urge immediate payment, often threatening consequences like additional fees or legal action. While TxTag is a legitimate toll collection system—it's used in Texas, not Indiana—scammers have adopted this name to try and trick unsuspecting drivers in the Hoosier State.
According to a detailed report by IndyStar, these email scams appear convincing, sometimes using hacked addresses linked to real Indiana government agencies like "Department of Child Services" or "Department of Correction." The aim is simple: lure you into clicking a link or providing payment details. However, neither TxTag nor the Indiana government will ever contact you about toll payment through unsolicited emails or texts. In Indiana, official toll payments are handled through E-Z Pass.
Toll smishing (SMS phishing) and email phishing are both on the rise across the country. As highlighted in a recent news article about Florida's toll scams, these schemes often escalate quickly and get very sophisticated. You may receive messages with urgent language, such as “Account Suspension Warning” or “Pay within 12 hours.”
Key signs of a txtag indiana scam include:
If you ever receive such a message, do not click any links or provide sensitive details. Instead, visit the official E-Z Pass or Indiana Department of Transportation websites to check your account status.
First, do not engage with the sender or respond to the message. The Indiana Office of Technology and Attorney General’s Office recommend the following steps:
“Scammers are relentless in exploiting hardworking Hoosiers,” Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “Never click links or share personal information from unsolicited emails.”
Awareness is the strongest defense against txtag indiana scams. Here are a few quick tips:
Digital scams like the txtag indiana phishing campaign are becoming increasingly common, but education and caution will keep your personal information safe. Should you receive suspicious messages, don’t respond—verify, delete, and report. For more information about recent toll smishing scams, consider reading about similar incidents affecting drivers in Florida, as the tactics are often similar across states.
Staying updated and aware is key to protecting yourself and your community from these evolving toll road scams.