Derby Police warn of Kansas Toll Services SMS scam

WICHITA, Kansas (KWCH) – Derby Police are warning residents about a scam that claims to be from a state agency.

On Friday, the Kansas Turnpike Authority said motorists may receive a fraudulent text message demanding payment of unpaid tolls, which the KTA called a scam.

After receiving several reports about the text messages, Derby Police issued their own warning.

“We’ve received many different reports from citizens,” said Captain Karensa Schiffel of the Derby Police Department. “As far as we know, no one has lost any money. However, they want to make people aware. Even family members of officers have received these messages, so we wanted to make sure the public was aware as well.”

The fake text messages are called “smishing.” If you receive such a message, Captain Schiffel says you should contact the agency directly.

“We recommend always doing your research wherever you have to pay tolls,” she said. “I would do your research and contact the Kansas Turnpike Authority to make sure whether or not you are paying those tolls.”

Captain Schiffel said most people who fall for such scams are looking for a human connection, so they are willing to give up more information. Ultimately, she said, the case is destroying people’s lives.

“It is painful to see people losing their life savings and their livelihoods due to fraud,” Schiffel said.

KTA and Derby Police advise not to click on any links. If you receive the text, you will be asked to file a complaint with FBI Cybercrime Complaint Center.

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