Missouri State Highway Patrol warns of scam

JEFFERSON CITY — Hang up if someone claiming to be with the Missouri State Highway Patrol calls to tell you a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident.

The Highway Patrol is trying to get out the word that the calls are a scam. The agency says that's not how it notifies families about deaths and injuries.

Here's how the scam works: The scammer tells victims to dial "star (*) 72" to get more information about his or her loved one. But when the victim calls the number, the scammer is allowed to bill the call to the victim's phone number.

The Highway Patrol is urging members of the public to call their telephone provider if they receive such a call.