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March 5th, 2025
“Your SunPass account has an overdue toll. Immediate payment required to avoid penalties. Click here to pay now: [suspicious link].”
If you’ve seen this message, you’ve encountered a SunPass toll scam. It’s designed to make you panic. Did you miss a toll? Will your license be suspended? Should you click the link?
That’s precisely what scammers want. They pressure you into acting fast before you think. But here’s the truth: SunPass will never send a text demanding payment.
And this is happening to thousands. Since March 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received over 2000 complaints about smishing texts claiming unpaid tolls. Many more go unreported.
These scams trick people into giving away personal and financial information. This guide will help you spot, avoid, and protect yourself.
Common SunPass Text Scams
Scammers use different tactics to deceive SunPass users into disclosing their personal and financial information.
These scams often begin with text messages (SMS) that seem to come from the Florida Department of Transportation or SunPass.
Below are some of the most common SunPass text scams to be aware of:
Smishing Scams (Fake Text Messages)
You might receive what looks like an official text from SunPass. These smishing messages direct targets by claiming that you have unpaid tolls and need to settle them immediately.
It may include a link that looks like the official sunpass.com but is, in fact, a fraudulent URL. These messages direct targets to fraudulent URLs, posing significant risks such as malware attacks and financial theft.
Authorities are actively working to shut down these scam operations and raise awareness among the public. Clicking the link could compromise your financial information or infect your device with malware.
Example:
“Your account has unpaid tolls. Immediate payment is required to avoid penalties. Click here to pay now: sunpass-payments.com“
CCSPayment Scam
A popular scam involves fake messages directing users to websites like CCSPayment, which may seem legitimate but is actually a scam. A legitimate site will allow you to settle tolls, but scammers will use similar-looking sites or names to trick you.
Example:
“Your SunPass balance is overdue! Pay now via CCSPayment to avoid additional fees. Click here to settle your balance: ccspayment-sunpass.com“
Fake Emails and Unsolicited Messages
Another common scam involves emails or unsolicited text messages that claim your account status is in jeopardy due to unpaid tolls. These emails often contain links that direct you to look-alike websites designed to steal your information.
If you receive an unexpected email message regarding tolls charged, always independently confirm by visiting the official SunPass website or using the SunPass mobile app.
Phone Scams
Scammers may also attempt to deceive users over the phone by posing as SunPass representatives. They might claim that your account has been suspended due to unpaid toll fees and demand immediate payment, sometimes threatening additional charges.
Refund Scams
Scammers may send text messages claiming that users are eligible for a refund and must provide their banking details to receive it. This is a deceptive tactic to gain access to financial accounts.
Due to the rising number of scams, SunPass has added a notice on its official website stating that “SunPass does not ask customers via text to make a payment or take immediate action on their account.”
Genuine messages from SunPass will always be sent from [email protected] or [email protected], or via text from 786727.
Example:
“Congratulations! You are eligible for a SunPass toll refund of $47.80. Please provide your banking details to receive the refund instantly: sunpass-refunds.com”
Account Suspension Scams
Another common scam involves text messages warning that a SunPass account will be suspended unless the user updates their information or makes a payment. These messages are designed to create urgency and fear, pressuring users to act without verifying their legitimacy.
Example:
“Your SunPass account will be suspended in 24 hours due to outdated payment information. Update now to avoid deactivation: sunpass-verification.com”
License Plate Scams
Scammers may send text messages claiming there is an issue with the license plate information linked to a SunPass account, urging the user to update it.
This is often an attempt to steal personal and vehicle information. Any updates to vehicle details should only be made through the official SunPass website or by contacting customer service directly.
Example:
“Your SunPass license plate information is incorrect. Click here to verify your details: sunpass-plateupdate.com”
Toll Violation Scams
Some scams involve text messages falsely claiming that a user has unpaid tolls or violations, often threatening fines or penalties if not resolved immediately. These messages may include links urging payment or requests for personal information to clear the alleged violation.
Example:
“Your vehicle has an unpaid toll violation. A fine of $85.00 will be applied if payment is not received today. Pay now: sunpass-tollviolation.com”
Technical Issue Scams
Scammers may also claim that a technical issue exists with a user’s SunPass account or transponder, urging them to call a number or click a link for assistance. This is often a ploy to install malware or steal account information.
Steps to Take If You Receive a Suspicious SunPass Message
Scammers try to trick you into acting fast, but staying calm and following these steps can protect you.
Don’t Click on Links or Download Attachments
If you get a message saying you owe tolls, don’t click on any links or download anything. Scammers create fake websites that look like SunPass to steal your personal and payment details.
Some links can even install harmful software on your phone or computer. Instead of using the link in the message, go directly to SunPass.com by typing it into your browser.
Report the Message Right Away
Reporting scams helps stop them from spreading. If you got a fake text, forward it to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your phone company. If it was an email, mark it as spam and report it to SunPass.
You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you shared banking details, contact your bank immediately to stop any possible fraud.
Check If the Sender Is Real
Scammers can make their messages look like they’re coming from SunPass when they’re not. If unsure, use a reverse lookup tool to check if the number or email is linked to fraudulent activity.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, don’t engage. Instead, hang up and contact SunPass directly using the number listed on their official website.
Use Email Filtering and Spam Detection
Email filtering and spam detection help block scam messages before they reach your inbox.
Most email providers, like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, automatically filter out scam emails and send them to the spam folder. However, these filters aren’t perfect, and some phishing emails still slip through.
One way to improve email security is by adjusting your spam settings. Many email services let you increase spam protection or block specific senders to prevent unwanted messages from reaching your inbox.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed?
If you’ve fallen for a SunPass toll scam, act quickly to limit the damage. Here’s what you should do right away.
Contact Your Bank
If you entered your payment details on a fake website or gave them to a scammer over the phone, call your bank immediately. Ask them to stop the payment, block your card, or freeze your account if needed.
Change Your Passwords
If you used your SunPass login on a scam site, change your password right away. If that password was used for other accounts, update those too. Scammers often try the same login details on different websites to access more of your personal information.
Report the Scam
File a complaint with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting the scam helps authorities track down fraudsters and warn others.
If you lost money, you may also want to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The sooner you take action, the better your chances of stopping scammers from causing more harm.
Who is Most at Risk?
Some people are more likely to fall for SunPass scams than others. Scammers target those who may not be familiar with toll payments or are more likely to act quickly without checking first.
Visitors to Florida
Millions of tourists use Florida’s toll roads every year, often with rental cars or temporary toll passes. Many don’t know exactly how SunPass works, making them easy targets.
Scammers send fake toll violation notices after a trip, hoping visitors will panic and pay without questioning it.
If you rented a car, check with the rental company about toll charges. If you get a toll notice, go to the official SunPass website to check if it’s real.
Frequent Toll Road Users
People who drive through tolls daily, especially for work, are another big target. Since SunPass payments are automatic, scammers trick them by sending messages about a “missed toll payment” that looks real.
Elderly Drivers
Scammers often target older adults because they may be less familiar with online scams. They use scare tactics, saying unpaid tolls could lead to late fees, license suspension, or even legal trouble. The goal is to pressure them into paying quickly.
If you’re unsure whether a message is real or a scam, you can use Social Catfish to verify the sender and check for fraud. Our Search Specialist service helps identify scammers by researching them to see if they’ve been linked to scams before.
