Consumer Products Educational
15 Scams Hitting Missourians in 2026 (Fake Toll Texts, Jury Duty Calls & Crypto ATM Fraud)
April 1, 2026
Scams aren’t new to any of us, but the versions showing up in 2026 are faster, more convincing, and more local than many people realize. In just the last few weeks, Missouri agencies and law enforcement have issued multiple public warnings about scam texts and calls that look official, cite real laws, and pressure people to act quickly.
With April being Financial Literacy Month, it’s a good time to slow down and take a closer look at the financial scams currently affecting Missourians: what they look like, why they work, and the simplest ways to protect your money and personal information.
Below are 15 scams Missourians are seeing right now, along with what to watch for and what to do if you encounter one.
1. Missouri Department of Revenue / DMV Phishing Texts
What it looks like:
You receive a text claiming you have unpaid traffic violations, fines, or an urgent issue with your driver’s license or vehicle registration. The message often includes a link and phrases like “final notice” or “immediate action required.”
Why scammers use this:
Impersonating the DMV or Department of Revenue creates fear and authority. The goal is to get you to click the link and enter personal or payment information, or, in some cases, download malware onto your phone.
How the Missouri DMV/DOR actually contacts you:
- Official notices are typically sent by mail
- They do not demand immediate payment through text messages or links
What to do:
- Do not click the link
- Delete the text
2. Fake Toll / MoDOT Toll-Fee Texts
What it looks like:
A message claims you owe unpaid toll fees and must pay immediately to avoid penalties.
Why scammers use this:
These scams are easy to send in bulk and catch people off guard, especially drivers who travel frequently.
Important Missouri detail:
Missouri does not have toll roads. Any toll‑payment text claiming to be from MoDOT or the state is a red flag.
What to do:
- Delete the text
- Do not click links or scan QR codes
3. Jury Duty Scams (Calls/Texts)
What it looks like:
A caller or texter claims you missed jury duty and now face fines or arrest unless you take care of it right away.
Why scammers use this:
The threat of legal trouble creates panic, which makes people act before verifying the claim.
How Missouri courts actually handle jury duty:
- Initial jury notices are sent by postal mail
- Courts do not demand payment or personal information by phone or text
What to do:
- Hang up or delete the message
- If you’re unsure, contact your local court using an official phone number
4. Bail or Bond Release Scams
What it looks like:
Someone claiming to be law enforcement says a loved one can be released from jail if you pay a fee right now.
Why scammers use this:
They target people during emotional or stressful moments, when it’s harder to think clearly.
What to know:
Legitimate bail and bond payments are handled through official court processes or licensed bond companies, not over the phone.
What to do:
- Hang up
- Call the sheriff’s office or jail directly using a verified number
5. Inmate Family “Work Release Program” Fee Scams
What it looks like:
Someone claims to represent the Department of Corrections and says your incarcerated family member qualifies for a special program, but only if you pay upfront.
Why scammers use this:
They exploit families who are already in difficult, emotional situations.
What to know:
The Missouri Department of Corrections does not require families to pay fees for job placement or work‑release programs.
What to do:
- Do not send money
- Report the call
6. Cryptocurrency Investment or Payment Scams
What it looks like:
Someone encourages you to send money using cryptocurrency, often after building trust through social media, email, or messaging apps.
Why scammers use crypto:
Crypto transactions are difficult to reverse and harder to trace.
Red flags:
- Guaranteed returns
- Pressure to act quickly
- Requests to keep the transaction secret
What to do:
- Do not send funds
- Stop communicating
7. Crypto ATM / Bitcoin Kiosk Scams
What it looks like:
You’re told to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM to fix an urgent issue — such as a legal problem, fraud alert, or tech issue.
Why scammers use this:
Once money is deposited into a crypto ATM, it’s often very difficult or impossible to recover.
What to do:
- Walk away from the kiosk
- Do not follow payment instructions
8. Tech Support Scams
What it looks like:
A call or pop‑up claims your computer or phone is infected and urges immediate action.
Why scammers use this:
They want remote access to your device, your personal information, or payment — often through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
What legitimate tech companies do:
They do not initiate unsolicited calls demanding payment.
What to do:
- Close the pop‑up or hang up
- Do not download software
9. Utility Shutoff / Payment Scams
What it looks like:
A call or text claims your power or water will be shut off unless you pay immediately.
Why scammers use this:
The threat of losing essential services creates urgency.
What to know:
Utilities do not demand immediate payment via text messages, gift cards, or third‑party apps.
What to do:
- Hang up
- Contact your utility provider directly
10. IRS or Tax‑Related Scams
What it looks like:
Messages claim you owe taxes, are due a refund, or must verify information urgently.
Why scammers use this:
Tax season increases anxiety and confusion.
What to know:
The IRS does not initiate contact by text or email demanding immediate payment.
What to do:
- Do not click links
- Use gov directly if you have questions
11. Smishing (Text Message Phishing)
What it looks like:
Texts impersonating banks, government agencies, delivery services, or utilities with malicious links.
Why scammers use it:
People are more likely to trust texts and act quickly on mobile devices.
What to do:
- Delete unexpected texts
- Avoid clicking links
12. Bank Impersonation “Fraud Alert” Texts and Calls
What it looks like:
A text or call appears to be from your bank’s fraud department, claiming suspicious activity or asking you to verify information. Caller ID may look legitimate.
What scammers want:
- Online banking credentials or one‑time passcodes
- Or they push you to move money to a “safe” account (which belongs to them)
How banks actually contact you:
Banks may contact you, but they will not ask for your password or one‑time codes, and they will not instruct you to move money to another account.
What to do:
- Don’t reply or click links
- Hang up and call your bank using a trusted number
If you already clicked or shared info:
- Change your password immediately from the bank’s official site or app
- Contact your bank right away
If you’re a PSB Bank customer:
Call us immediately at 573‑409‑4057, or for non‑urgent questions, use our online contact form.
13. Payment App Scams (Zelle®, Venmo®, Cash App, PayPal)
What it looks like:
- “Accidental transfer” messages
- Buyer/seller scams on marketplaces
- Fake fraud instructions telling you to send money to reverse a payment
What scammers want:
Authorized payments, which are often difficult to reverse.
What legitimate support doesn’t do:
They won’t tell you to undo fraud by sending money to someone else.
What to do:
- Only send money to people you know and trust
- Treat payment apps like cash — once it’s gone, it’s usually gone
14. Job Offer / Employment Scams (Including Crypto “Task” Jobs)
What it looks like:
- Job offers you didn’t apply for
- High pay, fast hiring, remote work
- Requests for money to unlock earnings or buy equipment
What scammers want:
- Your money
- Your personal information for identity theft
What to do:
- Be cautious of unsolicited job offers
- Verify the company independently
15. Package Delivery Text Scams (USPS/UPS “Tracking” Messages)
What it looks like:
A text says a package can’t be delivered until you confirm an address or pay a small fee.
What scammers want:
- Card numbers
- Personal information
- Malware installation
What to do:
- Don’t click the link
- If you’re expecting a package, go directly to the carrier’s website or app
A Final Word on Staying Safe
Scams work best when they create fear, urgency, or pressure. Slowing down, even for a moment, can make all the difference. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
If you ever have questions about a suspicious message or activity on your account, reach out to PSB Bank. A quick conversation can help you sort out what’s legitimate and help keep your finances secure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Scams in 2026
What is the most common financial scam in 2026?
Imposter scams, especially bank impersonation and AI‑assisted voice scams, remain the most common.
Can banks recover money lost to scams?
It depends. Some transactions may be recoverable, but payments sent through apps or wire transfers can be difficult to reverse. Reporting activity immediately helps.
Do Missouri agencies collect tolls or fines by text message?
No. Missouri does not have toll roads, and agencies do not request payments or personal information by text.
How can I verify if a message is legitimate?
Never use contact info provided in the message. Instead, reach out through official websites or trusted phone numbers.