By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) are warning residents about a “smishing” (SMS phishing) scam targeting Kansans with fake text messages.
Scammers are posing as the DMV or toll authorities, sending urgent messages demanding payment for unpaid traffic tickets or outstanding tolls. Many texts threaten license suspension to pressure recipients into clicking harmful links.
State agencies clarify:
- KDOT does not manage tolls and will never request payment via text.
- KDOR will never send texts demanding fines or notifying of license suspensions.
- Official KDOR communications are mailed through the U.S. Postal Service, not sent as unsolicited texts.
Kansans are urged not to click links in suspicious messages. Those who believe they owe a fine should contact the appropriate agency directly.
Incidents can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
