Several residents in St. Petersburg, Fla., have raised concerns over text messages they received, purportedly from SunPass, regarding unpaid toll fees.

The Question: Are These Texts Legitimate?

The authenticity of these messages has come into question, prompting many to seek clarification on their validity.

The Sources

To address these concerns, we refer to trusted sources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and SunPass, a toll payment system operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The Answer

Contrary to the claims made in the text messages, SunPass has confirmed that they did not originate from their organization. These messages are part of a scam aimed at obtaining personal and financial information.

What We Found

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the link provided in the text messages redirects to a fraudulent website posing as SunPass. Despite its convincing appearance, SunPass reiterates that they never solicit immediate payments or urgent actions via text messages.

In response to these phishing attempts, SunPass reassured customers that their system remains uncompromised and emphasized that they only communicate through specific email addresses and text numbers.

This incident is not isolated, as scammers have previously impersonated SunPass in similar schemes to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

Rising Trend of Text Message Scams

According to a 2021 report by Robokiller, text message scams have become increasingly prevalent, outnumbering phone call scams. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns that scammers impersonate various entities, including government agencies and service providers, in attempts to deceive individuals.

SMiShing: The Threat of Text Message Phishing

The tactic used in these scams, known as SMiShing, involves sending fraudulent text messages to extract sensitive information from victims. The FBI has received numerous complaints related to toll collection SMiShing campaigns, highlighting the severity of this issue.

What to Do if You Receive Suspect Text Messages

Both the FTC and FCC advise against clicking on links in unsolicited text messages. Individuals who believe they have been targeted by such scams are urged to report them to local law enforcement, wireless service providers, and financial institutions.

In conclusion, vigilance is paramount in safeguarding against text message scams. By staying informed and exercising caution, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

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