Scam Alert: Phone Spoofing
Phone spoofing awareness – know the signs of phone spoofing.
What is phone spoofing?
Phone spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the number that appears on your caller ID. Using software, scammers can make any call look like it’s coming from HCTC – even if it’s not.
Red Flags
Watch for these warning signs
- Urgent or threatening language
- Demands for immediate payment
- Requests for personal or financial info over the phone
- Pressure to act before you can verify
What to Do
Hang up.
If a call feels suspicious, urgent, or threatening – end it. You are never required to stay on the line.
Verify independently.
Call back using the number listed on our official website – not a number the caller gives you.
Take your time.
Legitimate government agencies will never penalize you for hanging up and calling back to confirm
Property Fraud Alert: Fake Deeds Filed by Scammers
Property and mortgage fraud is the fastest growing white-collar crime in the United States, according to the FBI. Scammers file fake deeds, making it appear as if they own homes that are not actually theirs. These scammers then trick people into giving them money to rent or buy those homes.
Property Fraud Alert is a free service to help you protect your property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the Official Records of the Clerk of Court.
Scam Alert: Fraudulent Phone Calls & Text Messages Demanding Payments
The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is warning residents about an active scam involving fraudulent phone call and text messages demanding immediate payment for alleged delinquent taxes.
How the Scam Works
- Phone calls or text messages threatening immediate arrest
- Demands for payment through Zelle or similar apps
- References to missed court dates you don’t remember
- Pressure to act immediately or face consequences
- Impersonating local county or city personnel
Important Facts to Remember
Our office will NEVER:
- Text you demanding immediate payment
- Request payment through Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or gift cards
- Demand payment to avoid immediate arrest
Our office ALWAYS:
- Sends official notices by mail
- Provides multiple opportunities to resolve property, tangible, or business tax matters
- Follows legal procedures that include proper notice and due process
- Accepts payments through official channels only
If You Receive a Suspicious Text
- Do NOT respond or send money
- Do NOT click any links in the message
- Do NOT reply with any personal information
- Screenshot the message for evidence
- Delete the message
- Contact our office directly at 813-635-5200 if you have concerns about your property, tangible, or business tax status
Report the Scam
If you’ve received these fraudulent messages:
- Report to local law enforcement
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov)
- Forward the text to SPAM
Verify Before You Pay
Always verify any property, tangible, or business tax-related communication by contacting our office directly using the phone number on our official website, not any number provided in a suspicious message.
Scam Alert: Fraudulent Toll Text Messages
Fraudulent text messages demanding payment for alleged unpaid tolls continue to target Hillsborough County residents.
What you need to know
The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office and toll authorities will NEVER:
- Send text messages demanding immediate payment
- Ask you to click on payment links sent via text
- Request personal or financial information through text messages
Recognize the Scam
Red flags to watch for:
- Urgent text messages claiming you have unpaid toll violations
- Links directing you to suspicious payment websites
- Threats of additional fees or penalties if you don’t pay immediately
- Messages from unknown or unfamiliar phone numbers
How to protect yourself
If you receive a suspicious toll-related text message:
- Do not click any links or provide personal information
- Do not respond to the message
- Report the scam to the Florida Attorney General’s Office
- Verify independently by contacting the relevant toll authority directly using official contact information
Stay Informed
Share this information with family, friends, and neighbors to help protect our entire community from these scam attempts.
For questions about legitimate toll payments or to verify outstanding fees, contact the appropriate toll authority directly through their official website or customer service number.