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Updated: March 10, 2026 @ 11:56 pm
The Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Department of Revenue are alerting residents to a sophisticated “smishing” scam targeting Kansans through fraudulent text messages.
Scammers are impersonating the DMV and toll authorities by sending urgent texts demanding immediate payment for “unpaid traffic tickets” or “outstanding tolls.” The messages often threaten license suspension to pressure recipients into clicking malicious links.
State agencies emphasized the following:
• KDOT does not manage tolls and will never request payment via text.
• The Kansas DMV, which is administered by KDOR, will never text residents to demand payment for fines or to notify them of suspensions.
• Official KDOR notifications are sent through the U.S. Postal Service, not unsolicited text messages.
Residents are urged not to click links in suspicious messages, as doing so could expose sensitive personal and financial information. Anyone who believes they may owe a fine should verify the claim by contacting the appropriate agency through official channels rather than using links provided in text messages.
Drivers can check their license status for free through the KDOR website. Residents are also encouraged to use their phone’s “Report Spam” feature before deleting suspicious messages to help prevent future attempts.
Kansas is one of several states experiencing this coordinated scam effort. Officials say staying informed and remaining skeptical of unsolicited text messages is the best defense.
Anyone who has already provided financial information through a fraudulent website should contact their bank or credit card company immediately to freeze their accounts. Victims are also encouraged to report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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