Last year, scams began harassing the Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Turnpike Authority on a semi-regular basis. The overall scam effort has returned.
Both KDOT and the Kansas Department of Revenue say there is a “smishing” campaign, where text messages direct people to phony links. In this case, scammers purportedly from the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Turnpike Authority are demanding immediate payment for “outstanding tolls” or “unpaid traffic tickets.” Recipients are told they could lose their driving privileges if they don’t comply.
State agencies say KDOT will never request toll payment by text because that department doesn’t manage tolls. Also, the Department of Revenue — which oversees driving-related payments and other motor vehicle policy — will never text to get payments for fines or use texts to alert residents of possible suspensions. In fact, official notices from the Department of Revenue are sent by mail, not text.
This is an effort apparently affecting several states. If you believe you have been scammed or if you know you have made a payment or given out financial information, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
