New text scam targeting Ohio drivers

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A new scam targeting Ohio drivers and their money is on the rise.

Authorities from the Miami Valley and across the state are issuing a warning to residents or travelers that may use the Ohio Turnpike. In the text from a Montreal-based 438-area code, the sender intends to trick the resident with a varying low amount of unpaid charges, while threatening a substantial amount it is not paid.

Below are just some agencies that have been subject to seeing the scam texts:

• Highland County Sheriff’s Office
• Logan County Sheriff’s Office
• Springboro Police Department
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Since the scam has reached so many people, the Ohio Turnpike has addressed the issue, saying it is absolutely fraudulent.

“The Ohio Turnpike does NOT request payments by text,” said Ohio Turnpike. “Collections of unpaid tolls and/or toll violations do NOT occur by text either.”

If you actually do have an outstanding balance, you will see that displayed on the organization’s E-ZPass accounts, which are found here .

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