On May 31, 2024, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued a statement alerting consumers in Arkansas to a new texting scam that has recently emerged. The scam, known as "smishing"—a combination of 'SMS' (texts) and 'phishing'—involves scammers attempting to steal personal information and trick individuals into sending money by impersonating a state toll service.
Griffin stated, “A new texting scam has reached Arkansas. Under this ‘smishing’ scam—a combination of ‘SMS’ (texts) and ‘phishing’—scammers attempt to steal consumers’ personal information and trick consumers into handing over funds by impersonating a state toll service."
He noted that while Arkansas does not have toll roads, the increase in summer travel means many Arkansans may be traveling to states with toll roads. This heightened travel period has led the scam, previously limited to toll-road states, to expand into states without toll roads, including Arkansas.
Griffin advised residents, “If you get one of these texts, please fill out the robocall reporting form on my website, and do not send payment to any entity that only contacts you via text.” The robocall reporting form can be found at https://arkansasag.gov/resources/contact-us/robocall-reporting-form/.
An example of such a scam message reads: "(State Toll Service Name): We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit (fraudulent website link) to settle your balance."
The Attorney General's office provided tips for recognizing scams and staying safe if receiving a text message purportedly from a state toll service.
For more information or to file a Consumer Complaint, contact the Office of Attorney General at (501) 682-2007 or oag@arkansasag.gov, or visit www.ArkansasAG.gov.
To download a PDF of this Consumer Alert, click here.