Missouri State Highway Patrol warns of scam using agency’s name and logo

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is warning residents about a scam that uses the agency’s name and logo to convince victims to send money.

According to the patrol, investigators recently handled a case in which scammers developed an online relationship with a victim through a social media platform. After gaining the victim’s trust, the suspect claimed a package had been sent to the victim’s home.

The victim later received a fraudulent message through WhatsApp containing what appeared to be an official Missouri State Highway Patrol document. Authorities said the document was generated using artificial intelligence and falsely claimed a package had been “seized for inspection” by a program called the “VIP Delivery Transit Program.”

The message instructed the victim to pay a processing fee using gift cards.

The highway patrol emphasized that it does not operate a VIP Delivery Transit Program and does not request payments, fines or fees through email, social media, messaging apps or online chat platforms.

Officials said scammers frequently use social media, dating sites, text messages, emails and phone calls to persuade victims to send money through cryptocurrency, gift cards or other methods. Many schemes are designed to create a sense of urgency or fear.

Anyone who receives a similar message or believes they may have been targeted by a scam is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The investigation remains ongoing.