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The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) is alerting residents about a widespread smishing scam targeting PIKEPASS users. The scam involves fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls, threatening fines, and urging recipients to click on a link to resolve the issue. The OTA has identified 264 scam websites and deactivated 146 of them in the past week, according to KFOR.
The scam texts, often sent from unusual email addresses, falsely claim that recipients face vehicle registration suspension, impoundment, or legal action if they do not pay. OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle emphasized that the agency never sends texts about unpaid tolls and only communicates through paper invoices or its official collection agency, Harris & Harris. Echelle advised Oklahomans to verify any suspicious messages by checking their statements on the official PIKEPASS website.
The OTA is collaborating with the FBI to dismantle the scam networks. The agency's call center has been overwhelmed, receiving over 20,000 calls related to the scam. Echelle urged residents to report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.
To help prevent falling victim to these scams, the OTA is increasing social media alerts and running advertisements to raise awareness. Echelle advised checking on family members, especially older relatives, to ensure they are not being targeted by these fraudulent messages.