Pennsylvania
‘Smishing’ scam targets people who drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and some who don’t
Why having identity theft protection is so important
Identity theft is probably one of the most costly things that can happen to you, especially if you leave it unresolved for a while.
A simple two-sentence text has been popping up on people’s smart phones this year, informing them they owe money for previous trips along the Pennsylvania Turnpike — even if they haven’t driven on the toll road.
“To prevent further fees totaling $106.00, please settle the due amount of $10.60,” one text read, before listing a website where the person could supposedly pay the overdue bill.
It’s a scam. The texts are not coming from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and some of the people who receive them have never traveled on the turnpike.
If you click on the link, it will take you to a bogus website that asks for your credit card information in order to steal your identity, said Crispin Havener, a Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission spokesman.
The problem started in March when residents in Illinois began receiving the texts, supposedly from the Illinois Tollway. Scammers illegally obtained random lists of phone numbers, then sent texts to those numbers claiming to be from a particular state’s toll or turnpike commission, depending on the area codes, Havener said.
“It’s not a security breach,” Havener said. “There are no issues with our customer accounts.”
What is smishing?
Federal Bureau of Investigation officials call it “smishing” because the cybercriminals use short message service, or SMS, to go “phishing” for people’s credit card information.
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 2,000 complaints from at least three different states in the month after these texts first appeared on people’s smart phones.
“We saw that initial batch of texts in March and April, then last month we received a new bunch of complaints, and people seem to be receiving them again now,” Havener said.
What should I do if I get one of these texts?
Anyone who receives one of these texts should following these steps, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center:
- File a complaint with the center at www.ic3.gov.
- Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website. In Pennsylvania, it’s www.paturnpike.com/e-zpass.
- Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number. In Pennsylvania, it’s 877-736-6727.
- Delete any smishing texts received.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNBruce.
Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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