The Missouri State Highway Patrol is warning residents about a scam in which fraudsters use the agency’s name and image to appear legitimate while attempting to collect money from victims.
According to the Highway Patrol, scammers first establish contact with victims through social media or online messaging platforms and build a relationship over time. The victim is then told that a package has been sent to them.
Authorities said victims later receive a fraudulent, AI-generated notice through WhatsApp claiming the package has been seized by a purported “VIP Delivery Transit Program.” The message instructs recipients to pay a processing fee using gift cards in order to release the package.
The Highway Patrol said it does not operate a VIP Delivery Transit Program and emphasized that the notice is fake.
Officials advise anyone who receives a similar message not to send money or gift cards and to contact local law enforcement to report the incident.