Kansas Turnpike Authority warns of new text scam asking to pay for tolls

LAWRENCE, Kan. (WDAF) — The Kansas Turnpike Authority wants you to know about an alarming new scam.

It involves “smishing” — text messages that ask you to pay for tolls, but the texts come from a scammer. Only three months have passed since KTA officials switched to a cashless billing system, which reads either a car’s K-Tag or license plate for billing.

“We’ve seen a couple of customers who’ve said — yeah, I fell for it,” Rachel Bell, who works with KTA, said.

Bell said the same involves fraudulent texts sent to random phone numbers, demanding payment for tolls. Clicking the link takes the user to a website that mirrors KTA’s billing platform, but it’s a fake. Scammers use that site to steal personal information and credit card numbers. KTA’s actual website includes a post, reminding users that agency never sends unsolicited text messages.

“It’s not just customers who use the turnpike. We’ve heard from people who don’t even own vehicles that have received these text messages. We’ve heard from people who live in a totally different state,” Bell said.

Cybersecurity experts, including Burton Kelso, strongly recommend deleting the message. He said cybercriminals are using AI to craft the messages and make them seem urgent.

“The more information they collect, the more likely it is for criminals to take advantage and steal your identity and go out and purchase all kinds of things and even set themselves up to intercept your tax refund,” Kelso said.

Cybersecurity experts recommend victims to call the police and to file a report with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This link will take you to the FBI’s cybercrimes website , which includes an area where reports can be filed.

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