What We Know: Missouri residents are being urged to stay alert after state investigators uncovered a scam that falsely uses the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s name and image.
What It Means: The warning comes from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, which says financial scams continue to cause significant losses for victims across the state and nation.
In one recent case, investigators found that a scammer spent weeks or even months building an online relationship with a victim through a social media messaging platform.
After gaining the person’s trust, the suspect claimed to have sent a package to the victim.
Soon afterward, the victim received a message through WhatsApp saying the package had been seized and was being held for inspection.
According to investigators, the message referenced a “VIP Delivery Transit Program” and instructed the victim to pay a fee using gift cards in order to receive the package.
Officials say the program does not exist.
The Highway Patrol emphasized that it never contacts people through social media, chat applications, or email to request money, collect fines, or demand payment for services.
Many schemes involve requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other forms of payment that are difficult to recover once sent.
Investigators encourage residents to be cautious when communicating with people they have only met online.
Requests involving money, packages, emergencies, or financial assistance should be treated carefully and verified independently.
What’s Next: Anyone who receives a suspicious message claiming to be from the Missouri State Highway Patrol should contact local law enforcement.
Officials say a few extra minutes spent verifying information can help prevent a costly mistake and protect people from becoming the next victim of an online scam.
(Logo provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol)