Kansas

Kansas cyber experts warn against toll pass smishing scam

Published

9 months ago

April 3, 2025

Kansas cyber experts warn against toll pass smishing scam

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — How many times have you driven the Kansas Turnpike and thought you forgot to pay the toll? Cybercriminals know it’s a common mistake and are using that to their advantage.

If you’ve gotten an E-ZPass collection text in the last few weeks, you’re not alone.

Winnie West, the Kansas cyber security advisor for the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said their office has received dozens of reports of scammers posing as toll collectors from Kansas and other surrounding states.

“We just can’t keep up with it because ransom as a service is a huge thing,” West said.

The texts claim the user has unpaid toll debts and threatens serious consequences if the user doesn’t take action by a certain date. The texts also include a link to pay the ‘outstanding balance’, prompting victims to put in credit card information.

KSHB 41 News

“For somebody that doesn’t really know how to look for those specific things, they would have automatically clicked because of the urgency with how the message came across,” West said.

West said even she and her family got the smishing text.

“They asked me, ‘Hey mom, what do we need to do with this?”‘ West said.

She told them to not click on the message.

You should be on the lookout for red flags, like a number with a strange area code, the sender is from an unknown email address or anyone claiming to be a government agency demanding money.

“Don’t click on the link,” West said. “Don’t click on anything until you verify that that is truly a valid request.”

Smishing scams are becoming more common nationwide, mainly because everything in the 21st century relies on data.

West explained scammers can get real phone numbers through the dark web, data leaks and even social media.

“Through those means is really how they were able to collect and then target those numbers,” West said. “Sometimes, they’re just spamming those numbers.”

Scams can be annoying at best, but malicious at worst. If you already clicked the link, West explained you should contact your bank, reset your passwords and then report it to the CISA.

“There will always be a person that will fall victim to those type of activities, unfortunately,” West said. “If you’re not aware of what to do and how to protect yourself from those type of cyber criminals, it can be pretty devastating.”

If you think you have been targeted with a smishing or phishing scam, you can find resources with CISA.

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KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne covers issues surrounding government accountability and solutions. Share your story with Isabella.

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Related Topics:cisa cyber Cybersecurity ez pass scam Featured Kansas City Kansas City News ransom resources text message scam text scam

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Kansas

Hundreds celebrate Kwanzaa at Kansas City’s Gem Theatre

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

Hundreds celebrate Kwanzaa at Kansas City’s Gem Theatre

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Hundreds of people packed the Gem Theatre over the weekend to celebrate Kwanzaa.

The celebrations run nightly through January 1. Each night highlights a different core value, including unity, cooperation and faith.

The event features local vendors and performances. Organizers say it’s a great way to start the new year.

The Kwanzaa celebration is free and open to everyone.

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Kansas

Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 27, 2025

Published

7 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

The Kansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 9-8-9

Evening: 6-5-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning 2 By 2 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Red Balls: 01-23, White Balls: 12-15

Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

08-12-24-26-42, Lucky Ball: 17

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

08-10-20-47-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Super Kansas Cash numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

03-07-17-20-27, Cash Ball: 24

Check Super Kansas Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Kansas Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at select Kansas Lottery offices.

By mail, send a winner claim form and your signed lottery ticket to:

Kansas Lottery Headquarters

128 N Kansas Avenue

Topeka, KS 66603-3638

(785) 296-5700

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a claim form, and deliver the form along with your signed lottery ticket to Kansas Lottery headquarters. 128 N Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603-3638, (785) 296-5700. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Kansas Lottery.

When are the Kansas Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3 Midday/Evening: 1:10 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
2 By 2: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Super Kansas Cash: 9:10 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Kansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Kansas

Health alert: Influenza activity trending up across Kansas, U.S.

Published

1 week ago

December 27, 2025

Press Room

Health alert: Influenza activity trending up across Kansas, U.S.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas is reflecting national trends of respiratory virus cases on the rise.

The CDC’s latest influenza surveillance report, for the week ending December 13th, showed three states with very high influenza activity, including Colorado. Kansas was reported as having low activity.

However, Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment data shows even low activity has had an impact. For the 20025-2026 season, through Dec. 22, KDHE shows influenza, pneumonia and COVID, combined, have been the direct or contributing cause in 401 deaths.

KDHE also launched a wastewater monitoring dashboard this season. It reflects data from Shawnee, Reno and Johnson counties for influenza, COVID and RSV. It shows influenza levels moderate and increasing, and COVID levels low but increasing.

The CDC estimates the U.S. has had close to five million influenza cases nationwide this season and nearly 2,000 deaths, including at least three children.

The situation has doctors reminding you to get your annual influenza vaccination if you haven’t already. Many urgent care centers, local pharmacies and your doctor’s offices have it available.

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