By Fox23.com News Staff
WAGONER COUNTY, Okla. — The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents after receiving reports of a new text-message scam that is claiming Oklahoma drivers have unpaid toll fees.
WCSO said the rapidly growing “smishing” scam attempts to trick recipients into clicking malicious links.
Smishing, a combination of SMS and phishing, is a form of cybercrime where scammers send deceptive text messages to steal personal information, financial data or gain access to devices.
WCSO said one of the most common versions circulating involves fake toll payment notifications.
The scam message may read:
“(Oklahoma Turnpike Authority): We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit [fake link] to settle your balance.”
These messages create a false sense of urgency by warning of overdue tolls, potential license suspension or rising penalties. The link sends victims to a website designed to steal personal or financial information, harvest account credentials or install malware.
WCSO added that scammers are increasingly using advanced techniques to bypass security measures. One tactic targets iPhone users by telling victims to reply to the message, then close and reopen their messaging app, allowing the malicious link to become clickable.
In more targeted “spearphising” attacks, scammers use stolen data to reference specific information about a person or their vehicle, making the message seem legitimate.
WCSO urges residents to be alert for the red flags and common warning signs of smishing, including:
• Generic greetings such as “Dear Customer”
• Messages lacking specific details
• Threats of late fees, debt collection, or license suspension
• Pressure to act immediately before verifying the information
These tactics are designed to cause panic and quick action without proper review.
WCSO recommends the following steps if you receive a suspicious text involving tolls or account payments:
- Do not click on links in unexpected messages. Instead, manually type the official toll authority website into your browser.
- Verify the message through official channels. Go directly to the toll website to check your account status.
- Know how real agencies communicate. Most government and toll agencies send notices by mail. If driving a rental car, contact the rental company to confirm any toll notices.
- Delete any suspicious messages immediately.
- Report the scam by filing a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and make note of the sender’s phone number and any website referenced in the message.
Residents who believe they have been targeted, or have questions about potential scams, can contact the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office at 918-485-3124.
