Dear Valued Customer,
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has been advised of a nationwide text message-based scam, also known as smishing, targeting turnpike patrons in other states. This scam requests personal financial information to settle alleged outstanding toll amounts. While the OTA has not seen any fraudulent activity in Oklahoma as of this time, the agency is encouraging customers to remain vigilant about any messages they receive via text.
The scam text messages have impacted nine other state toll agencies to date. The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.
Here are some tips from the FBI if you have any concern about the legitimacy of a communication that appears to be from PIKEPASS or the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority:
- Check your account using approved safe methods such as OTA’s websites at https://www.pikepass.com/ or https://www.platepay.com/
- Contact 1-800-PIKEPASS to speak with a customer representative from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Delete or report as spam/junk any smishing texts received.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, the FBI advises to take immediate efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts as well as dispute any unfamiliar charges.
The OTA is currently working with a third-party vendor to collect delinquent PIKEPASS and PlatePay balances via a text message campaign. These text messages are valid and will be branded appropriately with the vendor’s name, which is Harris & Harris. Again, if you have any question about the validity of a communication from OTA, you are encouraged to call our Customer Service line at 1-800-PIKEPASS during business hours or email the agency at [email protected].
Those who receive a fraudulent text are encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Compliant Center at https://www.ic3.gov/. That site is dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.
