An onslaught of unsolicited texts to Americans’ phones in recent months claiming they owe unpaid tolls and E-ZPass bills is more than an annoyance.

But it never sends text messages requesting payment. "So, that's your first clue," HCTRA Assistant Director of Communications Tracy Jackson said. "If you get a text message from somebody claiming to be from HCTRA,

The texts impersonating state road toll collection agencies attempt to get phone users to reveal financial information, such as credit or debit cards or bank accounts. They’re so-called smishing scams — a form of phishing that relies on SMS texts to trick people into sending money or share sensitive information.

The FBI is warning people about another wave of bogus text-message scams targeting smartphone users. Last month, the New York State Thruway Authority warned about text messages telling people that they had unpaid tolls.