The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is warning the public about fraudulent text messages that appear to come from the agency and demand payment for tolls and tickets.
According to KDOT, the scam texts sometimes threaten driver's license revocation or penalties for failure to pay promptly. The agency stated it does not collect money for tickets or tolls and does not send unsolicited text messages to the public.
KDOT advises recipients not to click or open any links within these messages and to avoid providing personal or financial information through unknown links. The agency warns that clicking on these links could expose personal information to scammers.
Officials recommend that anyone who receives a scam message report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov/. Recipients should delete the text and report it as junk.
For individuals who have already provided payment information on fraudulent websites, KDOT advises contacting their bank or credit card company immediately.
The text scam campaign targeting motorists has been reported across multiple states, according to KDOT's warning.
