Don’t fall for new text-based payment scam claiming to be from FasTrak

On January 24, 2025By Littum

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Have you received the latest text-based payment scam asking you to pay a FastTrak fee?

The scam text reads: “Pay your FastTrak Lane charges by January 19, 2025.” The notice also includes a fake link to a website that you can click and pay to “avoid a fine and keep your license.”

A quick way to spot that this is a scam is to look at the names and spellings used in the message. FasTrak, not FastTrak as stated in the text, is the payment method used in California. But drivers in Kansas have reported receiving this scam message.

The text message continues to read: “Please reply Y, then exit the text message and open it again to activate the link, or copy the link to your Safari browser and open it.”

FactFinder has continued to report on various types of toll scams, including those claiming to be from the Kansas Turnpike Authority as well as outside state toll collection agencies. These scams are referred to as smishing schemes, where scammers use urgent language to get someone to send money and access their personal information.

Experts advise not to click on the link in the message, nor to reply to the text.

If you receive a bogus text message claiming you have unpaid tolls, block the number and file a complaint with FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.