ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida transportation officials are launching a new campaign to warn drivers about a growing scheme targeting their phones.
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and the Central Florida Expressway Authority have joined forces to combat fraudulent text messages that claim recipients owe unpaid toll fees. These messages often include threats of late fees or legal action, urging users to click a link to resolve the issue.
Cybersecurity professionals say these texts are designed to steal personal information.
“So, they might seem benign, ‘oh, I’m on SunPass, I’m paying a toll. They need my driver’s license number.' That seems reasonable, but it’s a scam,” said Danny Jenkins, CEO of the cybersecurity firm ThreatLocker.
Once a victim clicks the fraudulent link, they may be prompted to enter sensitive details such as their credit card number, driver’s license number or Social Security number.
“This is often the entry point into your life getting a lot worse because they’ll collect small pieces of information,” Jenkins warned.
To help Floridians stay safe, tolling agencies are launching a campaign urging drivers to follow a simple rule: Stop. Think. Don’t Click That Link.
SunPass and E-PASS will never request payment or personal information via unsolicited text messages. Instead, drivers should monitor their toll accounts by logging in directly through SunPass.com or CFXway.com.
Jenkins said personal data obtained through these scams is often sold on the dark web.
“So there are people on the dark web. They’ll trade 10,000 Florida driver’s license numbers for X amount. You may not lose money immediately, but your identity could be sold to criminals who will use it for other scams,” he said.
If you receive an unsolicited text message about unpaid tolls, officials recommend:
Do not click the link.
Delete the message immediately.
Verify your account by logging into the official SunPass or E-PASS website.
Report the scam to SunPass, E-PASS or the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
For more information or to report fraud, visit SunPass.com or CFXway.com
