Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Is Going After Toll Text Scammers

A few years ago, we went to Niagara Falls. That meant traveling on Interstate 90 which is also the New York State Thruway, a toll road. I'd been on the Thruway multiple times, but 2022 was the first time there were no toll booths. Instead, I got a bill in the mail. If you've ever driven on the New York State Thruway and you're not a New Yorker, the mail-in thing is WAY better.

Toll Text Scam

Soon after 2025 began, I started getting text messages informing me I had outstanding toll fees that needed to be paid. I knew it was a scam because I hadn't crossed a bridge or driven on a toll road in a good while. I ignored them, but that didn't stop them from coming.

There was a pause, however, until yesterday when I got this rather lengthy text from, well, who knows? I couldn't get the entire text into one screen shot, so I had to split it up because I wanted you to see how the text ends. Whoever is doing this ended this one with a threat.

And they used to be so nice. (They didn't thank ME for my cooperation, but, of course, I didn't cooperate.)

In all seriousness, there's nothing nice about people trying desperately to relieve you of your money. Yes, "desperately," otherwise, why the threat?

RELATED: Illinois Truckers Warned by Feds of new Text Scam Targeting Them

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Taking Action Against Toll Text Scams

None of this is sitting well with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. They've had enough and have issued a press release reminding us all that, despite the presence of a link that looks like one for KYTC's licensing website address, the agency will never text a toll bill to anyone. They go on to say that they will be working diligently to take these bogus websites down.

If you've been scammed and have given information to these unknown entities, contact your bank and then report what happened to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Kentucky Attorney General's office, or all three. Give them detailed information, and don't be ashamed you've been scammed. It's happened to so many people, and this is how these perpetrators get caught.

The KYTC also suggests you text 7726 (SPAM) to your mobile service provider.