AI-generated “Highway Patrol notice” scam spreading, officials warn - KCTV

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued a warning regarding a deceptive scam targeting residents with fraudulent notices that falsely claim to originate from the agency. Scammers are utilizing AI-generated documentation to solicit illicit payments from unsuspecting victims.

What happened

The scheme begins on social media, where suspects establish a relationship with potential victims over a period of time. The scammer eventually claims to have sent a package to the victim's home. While the victim is waiting for the arrival of this package, they receive a message via WhatsApp containing an AI-generated document that prominently displays the official Missouri State Highway Patrol logo.

The fraudulent notice informs the victim that their package has been “seized for inspection” by a fabricated entity referred to as the “VIP Delivery Transit Program.” To resolve the situation, the message instructs the victim to pay a “processing fee” using gift cards.

Investigators have confirmed that these messages are entirely fake. The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains that it will never request funds, demand fines, or ask for payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the agency does not use email, social media, or chat platforms to initiate contact or converse with individuals. Officials are urging anyone who receives such a message to report the incident to the police immediately.