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OTA: PIKEPASS scam targeting thousands of Oklahomans, FBI involved
- The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is warning that bad actors are sending smishing texts claiming unpaid tolls, targeting motorists statewide as of May 2025.
- This surge of scams occurs because fraudsters mimic OTA messaging and create fake websites, with reports confirming 264 scam sites identified by noon Wednesday and 100 new ones in 24 hours.
- The fraudulent texts often threaten false penalties like vehicle impounding or wage garnishment, actions OTA cannot legally take or enforce on unpaid tolls.
- Joe Echelle, Executive Director of the OTA, reported that numerous fraudulent websites have appeared simultaneously, with around 100 new sites emerging within just one day, all aimed at misleading consumers.
- OTA is working with authorities and domain registrars to take down these websites, urging the public to pay tolls only through official channels and report suspicious texts to the FTC or FBI.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Scam reported of text message from person falsely claiming to be from FedEx
Another scam is being reported by a business in Mountain Home. According to PostNet, it involves a text message from a person or entity falsely claiming to be sending the message on behalf of FedEx regarding a package the potential victim may or may not be scheduled to receive. Michael Bailey of the local PostNet location gives the details on the scam. Listen: [audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/683/2025/04…
Hudsonville woman 'duped' by toll text message scam
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) — A text message scam is popping up on phones across the country, demanding money for fake unpaid tolls. Sue Walters, a Hudsonville resident, had just returned from a spring break road trip when she received a text message from what claimed to be E-ZPass, citing an outstanding balance of $6.68 for a toll violation. Walters said she was suspicious of the message, but having just crossed the Ohio River, she thought it co…
KEYS SHERIFF: BEWARE OF E-Z/SUNPASS TEXT SCAM
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says scammers are sending texts falsely claiming to be from prepaid road toll programs — E-Z pass or SunPass — in an attempt to steal personal, credit and financial information. If you receive such a text, ignore it, and contact the organization directly for information about your account at www.sunpass.com. You will receive a bill in the traditional mail for all legitimate toll collections. These texts are not…
KY Transportation Cabinet issues warning on scam texts involving unpaid tolls
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has issued a warning regarding fraudulent texts that impersonate tolling agencies and feature a "suspicious" link similar to the KYTC licensing website address.A release from the KYTC says that if you receive one of these texts, do not click the link. The KYTC says that it will not send text messages to collect tolls, and they are taking the appropriate steps to have the fraudulent websites taken down.T…
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