Indianapolis is one of the top cities receiving toll road scam texts in the United States

If you've gotten any texts lately telling you that you need to pay up after using an Indiana Toll Road or even that it is your last chance to pay up, that message is not legitimate. It's part of a new smishing, or text scam that has been popping up all over the country.

Indianapolis is one of the top 15 states receiving these toll road scam texts according to McAfee, one of the most well-known anti-scam and anti-virus software companies nationwide.

"Scammers have been using fraudulent text messages to deceive individuals into providing payment for unpaid tolls," Indiana Toll Road Concession Company said in a statement.

Here's what to know.

Will Indiana toll roads text me to collect payment?

No; Indiana Toll Roads does not text customers asking for sensitive information. The ITRCC put out a statement to clarify this in light of the recent text message scam.

"ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) reminds customers that it does not send text messages requesting sensitive information such as passwords, payment information, or account numbers," Indiana Toll Road said in a statement.

What do the Indiana toll road scam texts look like?

The texts read something along the lines of "Welcome to the Indiana Toll Road. Your vehicle has been recorded using the Indiana Toll Road. To avoid a bill with late fees of up to $35, please settle your balance by visiting the link below" and include a link that typically includes the keywords of "IN," "toll" and "e-zpass" in the URL.

The ITRCC does not text customers asking for payment and therefore advises against clicking that link.

"These messages may appear to be from toll road agencies with links to pay a toll," The ITRCC said. "If you receive a text message that seems suspicious or asks for sensitive information, do not click on the link, or respond to the message."

The only link where customers can manage their accounts and pay tolls is www.indianatollroad.org.

How to confirm if my Indiana Toll Road text is legit

Indiana E-ZPass account holders can contact ITRCC Customer Service at (574) 675-4010 to verify the authenticity of any message. Representatives are available via phone Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for walk-in for assistance.

Customers should always go to www.indianatollroad.org to manage their accounts or pay tolls.

How to report Indiana Toll Road scam texts

If you receive one of these texts, the following is suggested by the ITRCC:

1. File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, be sure to include:
   • The phone number from where the text originated.
   • The website listed within the text
2. Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

What is phishing? What is smishing?

Phishing is pronounced like the word "fishing" and is defined by Microsoft as "an attack that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information — such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords — on websites that pretend to be legitimate."

Phishing is typically done either via phone call or email.

Smishing is essentially SMS phishing, where the method of trying to steal information is through text message.

In December, another smishing scam was reported where someone claiming to be USPS texted about tracking a package. This was another scam, as the USPS doesn't text customers unless the customer specifically opts in to be texted.

Mary Walrath-Holdridge contributed to this report.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman.