Beware of Texts About Unpaid Tolls—How to Identify and Avoid Toll Scam Phishing
Learn how to spot unpaid toll scams and protect your personal information from phishing attempts
Phishing scams have become commonplace. In fact, the online tactic using emails, text messages and phone calls to trick people into revealing sensitive information, are at an all-time high and worsening. One specific example gaining traction as of late? Toll scam texts aimed at installing harmful software. Keep reading for details and tips on how to stay safe from the latest fraud premise.
‘Smishing’ scams based on toll collections are on the rise
In April of 2024, the FBI issued a public service announcement regarding its Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) receiving over 2,000 complaints reporting incidents of “smishing,” a term referring to text-based scams from at least three states over the course of one month. In each case, fraudsters performed under the ruse of road toll collection services using almost identical language.
Examples of unpaid toll scam texts
In most cases, the texts appear as follows:
(State Toll Service Name): We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit https://myturnpiketollservices.com to settle your balance.
“The outstanding toll amount is similar among the complaints reported to the IC3,” the FBI said. “However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state’s toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.”
Florida SunPass toll scams
One specific prepaid toll program being used for the cyber attacks is SunPass of Florida, and the texts were even sent to people who hadn’t recently driven in the Sunshine State.
“SunPass wants to remind customers to be careful of text messages or other communications that demand immediate payment for unpaid toll balances,” the company said in a customer security notice. “These messages often pressure customers to make a quick payment to avoid late fees and include a link to a fake website to collect personal information. Please note that SunPass does not send these messages. If you receive an unexpected text or message asking for immediate payment, do not click on the link. Instead, log in to your account via sunpass.com to view your account information.”
One Reddit user posted a screenshot of the text message they received claiming to be from SunPass, which led to a thread of fellow targets reporting that they were sent the same message.
Many also pointed out that the area code for the phone number connected to the message could be traced to Ottawa, Canada, and that the website recipients are being directed to is illegitimate.
How to identify and avoid unpaid toll scams
In its alert, SunPass also offered insights for spotting fake texts. If you receive a text message stating you have unpaid toll balances, the following are red flags that indicate fraud:
- Unknown or hidden numbers. In some cases, scammers are hiding their identity, but they can also “spoof” a local number in an attempt to seem genuine.
- False claims about problems with your payment information.
- Fake invoices with instructions to reach out to a specific contact.
- Requests for personal information such as your name, address, social security number or credit card details.
- Rhetoric intended to evoke a sense of fear and panic. Beware phrasing that encourages you to act “urgently,” “immediately” and “quickly.”
What to do if you suspect you are a target of a texting scam
If you receive a message that you believe is a scam, the FBI suggests filing a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov and including the phone number from where the text originated as well as the website listed within the text. Then, follow these steps:
- Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
- Contact the toll service’s customer service phone number.
- Delete any smishing texts received.
- If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Keep an eye out for and dispute any unfamiliar charges.
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