A warning about the recent smishing scam targeting Kansas City residents.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesResidents of Kansas City are warned about a smishing scam that sends deceptive text messages claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls. These messages, purportedly from a ‘Toll Roads Notice of Toll Evasion’, are designed to alarm recipients into taking swift action. The Kansas Turnpike Authority has confirmed they do not send unsolicited communications, urging residents to report such scams to authorities and not to click on any links provided in the messages.
If you live in Kansas City, you might want to stay sharp because there’s a new scam making the rounds, and it’s targeting folks with sneaky text messages. These scams, often called smishing scams, are designed to trick unsuspecting recipients into thinking they owe money for unpaid tolls. Yes, you read that right—unpaid tolls! Spoiler alert: it’s all a ruse!
The scam messages pop up as a text from a so-called “Toll Roads Notice of Toll Evasion.” It’s designed to scare you into taking quick action by claiming that you’ve got an unpaid toll to settle. The message usually contains urgent language about needing to respond within a short window of time—typically 12 hours—or face penalties. Sounds alarming, right? That’s the point!
These crafty scammers don’t discriminate. They send messages to random phone numbers, so whether you’ve ever driven on a toll road or even own a car, there’s a chance you might receive one of these deceptive texts. These messages often include a link and complicated instructions for how to reply, which raises even more red flags.
The last part of the message usually has a friendly touch, with the “Toll Roads team” wishing you a good day. But don’t be fooled! It’s just a ploy to make the scam seem more legitimate. Real toll authorities, like the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA), have made it clear that they do not send unsolicited texts or emails. So if you receive something out of the blue, it’s likely a scam.
Clicking on the links provided in the text can lead you down a dangerous path. These links lead to fake websites that are designed to look like official KTA or DriveKS sites, but their sole purpose is to steal your personal information and credit card numbers. It’s a recipe for disaster!
The KTA has reassured users via their official website that all their communications are controlled and sent only to those who have opted in. If you haven’t subscribed or engaged with KTA communications, you should definitely be cautious.
If you happen to receive one of these scam messages, the best thing to do is not to click any links. Instead, report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If you accidentally provided personal information or made a payment on a fraudulent website, it’s crucial to contact your bank or credit card company immediately for guidance on how to protect yourself.
Cybersecurity experts strongly recommend that everyone delete any suspicious messages they receive. Filing a report with local police and the FBI can also help take a stand against these scams. Remember, education is your best defense!
Earlier this year, the KTA transitioned to a cashless billing system that tracks payments through K-Tags or license plates, making it even more unlikely that you’d expect an unsolicited communication about unpaid tolls. But like many states across the country, Kansas is not immune to these fraudulent activities. The FBI has even issued public service announcements outlining these scams as they’ve been emerging nationwide.
Don’t let these scammers catch you off guard! Stay vigilant, talk to your friends and family about this scam, and share the information so we can all be aware. With a little awareness, Kansas City can beat these scammers at their own game!
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