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Fraudulent texts claim unresolved traffic citations and insurance rate hikes to steal personal info and money
Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:53pm
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The Missouri State Highway Patrol is alerting residents across the state to be on the lookout for a surge in scam text messages designed to steal personal information and money. The messages appear to be official notices from state agencies or the court system, claiming the recipient has an unresolved traffic citation or faces auto insurance rate hikes and legal action.
These fraudulent text messages are part of an ongoing trend of phone and online scams targeting consumers. Authorities are concerned about the potential for victims to lose money and have their personal data compromised through these deceptive tactics.
The scam texts include fake case numbers and deadlines to pay fines or ‘settlements’ through provided links. State troopers emphasize these messages are entirely fraudulent and urge residents to ignore and delete them. Law enforcement is advising victims to contact their local police and financial institutions immediately if they believe they have lost money to the scam.
The state law enforcement agency that issued the warning about the fraudulent text message scam targeting Missouri residents.
“If you have received one of the following texts, please ignore and delete the message. Don’t fall victim to online/phone scams.”
— Missouri State Highway Patrol
Residents who believe they have lost money to the scam are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency and their financial institution immediately.
This scam is part of an ongoing problem of phone and online fraud targeting consumers with deceptive tactics. Staying vigilant and ignoring suspicious messages is crucial to avoid falling victim and having personal information or funds compromised.
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