Gov Issues Warning of New Oklahoma Turnpike Scam

So a new scam is making its way into Oklahoma involving the OTA and Turnpike system.

No, it's not the sleazy proposed imminent domain acquisitions of homes in the OKC Metro to build new roads in order to keep charging on those long paid off, or the sudden increase of charges after streamlining the turnpike system with historically smaller overhead costs... It's tricking people into paying tolls.

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While Oklahoma is used to the literal highway robbery, it's not the state or OTA grabbing funds. It's professional scammers who have come up with a new and shockingly effective way of stealing money.

Simply put, they'll send out an official-looking text about outstanding charges and you'd be shocked how many people follow the links and pay. If only a few dollars kept your registration out of the hands of the made-up authorities, you might not think anything of it either.

Also, it's not just Oklahoma, this is a nationwide scam... but it's just now getting to Oklahoma.

@lauriebiby Major Text Message Scam Alert verified. Has hit Oklahoma! Be Aware! #oklahoma #textmessagescam #fraud #textfraud #verfied #sourcescited ##oklahoma##oklahomaturnpikeauthority##oklahomahighwaypatrol ♬ Shit - Bo Burnham

Now you may be thinking to yourself "Who would fall for that?" and the answer is, well, a lot of people.

Our most vulnerable populations of drivers are likely the youngest and oldest travelers on the Sooner State roads, but I'm sure you know at least one person your own age who would fall for it without prompt.

If anything, it's worth mentioning this in casual conversation. Criminals won't stop trying, we just have to collectively get the word out to head them off.