Home / Business and Economy / Oklahoma Toll Scam Targets PikePass Users, Deactivates Accounts
Oklahoma Toll Scam Targets PikePass Users, Deactivates Accounts
17 Nov
Summary
- Oklahomans receive scam texts about unpaid tolls, but state agency denies sending them
- PikePass user's account deactivated over $15 debt, despite lack of prior notice
- State agency accused of poor communication, sending accounts to collections too quickly
As of November 2025, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) is warning PikePass users about a scam targeting them with text messages claiming unpaid toll balances. The OTA has confirmed that it does not contact people via text about outstanding debts and urges users to verify any such claims.
One PikePass holder recently experienced the consequences of the OTA's aggressive collections practices. In September 2025, the user received a call from a collections agency claiming they owed $15.23 in unpaid tolls. Despite the user's initial skepticism, they later discovered that the OTA had indeed deactivated their PikePass account over the small debt.
The user claims the OTA failed to properly notify them about the outstanding balance, sending only vague email notices that went unnoticed among numerous phishing attempts. The agency also did not send a paper invoice before sending the debt to collections, a step the user believes should be required.
Ultimately, the PikePass holder paid the $15.23 debt, along with an additional $40 to reactivate their account. The user expressed concern that the OTA's aggressive collections tactics, which potentially damage consumers' credit, may cost the state more than the actual unpaid tolls.
As the OTA continues its transition to cashless tolling, the agency's handling of overdue balances has come under scrutiny. Lawmakers may need to intervene and mandate that state agencies make a good-faith effort to collect debts before resorting to collections, ensuring Oklahomans are treated fairly.
