Missourians targeted by toll text scam—despite state having no tolls

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A surge of scam texts posing as toll payment alerts is hitting Missouri phones, prompting warnings from state officials. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 5,200 scam text complaints have been filed by Missourians in 2024 alone—a 26% spike compared to 2023. The messages claim the recipient has unpaid toll fees and must click a link to resolve the issue or face penalties. 

The state of Missouri doesn’t have tolls and Sgt. Shane Hux of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said, these messages are nothing more than a fraudulent attempt to steal personal information. 

“The Missouri State Highway Patrol—or any agency, for that matter—will never call or text people requesting money,” Sgt. Hux said. “These scammers are becoming more clever, but we urge people not to respond or click on any links. Verify everything through official sources.” 

The scam messages often mimic legitimate toll road or vehicle service providers, sometimes even displaying local area codes to appear authentic. 

One St. Joseph resident, who wanted to be referred to as 'Nick' for the purposes of this story, is a frequent car renter. Nick explained, the scam doesn’t fool him because he knows exactly where legitimate messages should originate.

“When I travel, and I travel quite frequently, it usually comes through my email and usually from a rental car company if I owe a toll or miss a toll," he said.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) confirmed that it does not contact individuals via text about toll fees. Officials encourage anyone receiving such messages to report them to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to delete the message without responding. 

Tips to Avoid Text Scams: 

• Never click on links from unknown or suspicious numbers. 

• Contact toll authorities directly if unsure about any charges. 

• Do not share personal or financial information via text. 

Authorities said, while no scam is new, the technology and targeting used in recent weeks make this particular campaign more dangerous.

Hux advises to go to the attorney generals office website to put your name in a no call list, as well.

“This is a reminder to slow down and think before clicking,” Sgt. Hux said. “A few extra seconds could protect your identity and your finances.”