YORK, Neb. - A text-based scam operation which makes it seem like a driver has an unpaid toll in another state has increased its efforts, sounding an alarm from one Central Nebraska law enforcement agency. 

The scam comes in the form of a text message, purportedly alerting the reader that they have yet to pay a fine stemming from driving on a toll road in another state where toll roads exist. The text includes a link to pay that fine, and that's where the scam occurs. 

“Most people are confused and if they have been traveling in another state, they might think it’s real,” York County Sheriff Paul Vrbka said in a press release this week. “The thing to know is that if you were driving in a state where they have toll roads and they might legitimately owe money, the notice will not be sent to them via text message. It will come in the mail and will likely include a photo of their vehicle and their license plate."

The York County sheriff's office recommends not responding to suspicious texts and avoiding clicking on questionable links, and even if you do receive a letter asking for payment, ensure that it is your vehicle and license plate in the message and photos. 

"We had a lady bring in the photo sent to her of her license plate – but we noticed it was not real because her license plate has a handicapped sign on it and the photo someone sent her did not have that on the license plate,” Vrbka said in the release.

Ultimately, drivers and citizens with concerns over the legitimacy of any payment request should contact their local sheriff or police department to help verify the claim before taking any potential harmful action.