St. Louis, MO – A new scam targeting Missouri drivers is prompting a statewide warning from transportation officials.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) issued a public alert this week cautioning residents against responding to fraudulent text messages impersonating the agency. The scam messages claim recipients owe toll fees or traffic violation fines and demand immediate payment.
According to MoDOT’s statement posted Monday, the agency emphasized that it will never request toll or violation fee payments via text messages. The department urged the public not to click on any links contained in suspicious messages and to report and delete them immediately.
“Whether it’s a toll fee or a traffic violation fee, if you’re getting texts posing as MoDOT or the Missouri Department of Revenue threatening you to pay now, it’s a scam,” the alert stated.
Officials stressed that MoDOT does not handle tolling in Missouri and that no official state agency will request fee payment or personal information via unsolicited text.
State agencies have seen a recent increase in phishing attempts using fake branding to deceive recipients into sharing financial or identifying information. Residents are encouraged to verify any suspicious communication directly through official agency websites or hotlines.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies are aware of the scam and are urging residents to remain vigilant.
Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted or scammed is advised to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or their local authorities.
