Staying safe online means being able to tell the difference between real and fake messages, especially when it comes to toll roads. If you live in Indiana or drive through the state, you might have received emails or texts claiming you owe unpaid tolls from something called "TxTag Indiana." Here's the truth behind these messages and tips to keep your information safe.
TxTag is actually the electronic toll collection system for Texas, not Indiana. Scammers are using this legitimate toll brand to target Indiana drivers. They send emails and text messages that make it seem like you owe money for Indiana toll roads. In reality, there is no official program called "TxTag Indiana," and legitimate Indiana state agencies do not use this system.
Several Indiana state offices have issued warnings about fake toll collection messages. These scams often pretend to be from agencies like the Indiana Department of Transportation or the Governor's Office. The emails warn of unpaid toll fees and threaten penalties or registration holds if you do not pay immediately. According to WTHR, the Indiana Office of Technology emphasized that "the State does not send unpaid toll notifications via text or email messages."
These messages typically:
Scammers exploit former government email addresses to make their messages look official. For example, IndyStar reported that a service provider, no longer contracted by the state, had its accounts hacked. This gave scammers temporary access to old, real addresses, increasing the authenticity of their phishing attempts.
Their goal is simple: get you to click a link and enter your payment details or personal information. You might see a prompt to pay a specific amount, like $6.69, or receive threats of legal consequences if you ignore the email. Remember, these messages are designed to pressure you into acting quickly.
If you get a suspicious message mentioning TxTag and Indiana tolls:
State officials have stressed that legitimate government notifications about tolls in Indiana will never arrive by email or text. If you have unpaid tolls, you’ll receive official mail or can check directly with the Indiana Toll Road operator's secure website.
Here are easy steps to avoid falling for these scams:
For more details and updates about ongoing scam tactics, read the full warnings from WTHR and IndyStar.
With scams like "TxTag Indiana" making their rounds, it's important to stay cautious. Always verify where messages come from, and remember that Indiana does not send toll notifications through email or text. When in doubt, delete the message and contact the Indiana Toll Road authority using publicly listed phone numbers or official websites. By staying aware, you can keep your data—and your money—safe.