The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has been advised of a nationwide text message-based scam, also known as smishing, targeting turnpike patrons in multiple states, including Oklahoma.
This scam requests personal financial information to settle alleged outstanding toll amounts. The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads. The agency is encouraging customers to remain vigilant about any messages they receive via text.
If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a text message purporting to be PIKEPASS or the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, please follow these tips:
- Do Not open any attachments or links in the suspect message.
- Check your account using approved safe methods such as OTA’s websites at www.pikepass.com or www.platepay.com
- Delete or report as spam/junk any smishing texts received.
- Do not forward any suspicious messages to friends or family to avoid exposing them to the scam.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, the FBI advises consumers to take immediate efforts to secure their 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 questions about the validity of a communication from OTA, you may email the agency at pikepass@pikepass.com.
The official site to pay PIKEPASS tolls is: https://pikepass.com/ppo. The official site to pay PlatePay invoices is: https://platepay.pikepass.com.
Those who receive a fraudulent text are encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or FBI’s Internet Crime Compliance Center. This site is dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.