“We do not send unsolicited text messages about tolls,” said Donnell Brown, KTA’s Senior Customer Service Manager. “A person only receives a text if they have a DriveKS account and have signed up for text notifications in their account preferences. Then, the person is required to login to their DriveKS account to view their statement and/or pay a bill.”

Fraudulent texts (and instant messages) are being sent to random phone numbers with no regard to actual use of a toll road or ownership of a vehicle. The texts urge quick action to avoid a penalty and includes a link or URL to a fake website that mimics the DriveKS toll payment site, or another toll payment site located elsewhere in the U.S.

“KTA is working with other toll agencies across the county, the Federal Trade Commission, the FBI and Attorney General offices to quickly identify and shut down fraudulent sites,” said Bruce Meisch, KTA’s Director of Technology. “Collectively, this group is responsible for shutting down thousands of fraudulent websites.”

Kansans who receive an unsolicited text message suggesting it is from KTA, the Kansas Department of Transportation (who does not collect tolls for any roadway) or another toll agency, should not click the link. Rather they should report the text to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

If payment information has been provided on a fraudulent web site, individuals are urged to contact their bank or credit card company immediately.

More information is available on KTA’s website at https://ksturnpike.com/information-security.