Recent federal warnings have highlighted an alarming trend in phishing scams targeting motorists through deceitful text messages concerning unpaid tolls. Multiple reports reveal that these scams aim to obtain personal information and financial details from unsuspecting recipients. The fraudulent messages often appear to be legitimate, misleading recipients into thinking that they owe unpaid toll fees. As noted in reports from both AL.com and NBC-2, recipients may receive texts imitating well-known toll collection services like SunPass and EZ-Pass. The scammers typically request that individuals click on a link to settle alleged unpaid tolls, posing a significant threat to personal security. ‘If you receive a message about unpaid tolls, proceed with caution and verify its authenticity directly with your toll service provider,’ advised fraud prevention specialists. Residents in Maryland and Florida, where toll systems like Maryland’s EZ-Pass and Florida’s SunPass are prevalent, need to remain vigilant. In Maryland, the EZ-Pass service has reportedly experienced an uptick in scam incidents, prompting officials to issue protective advisories. Maryland’s Transportation Authority stated, ‘Do not click on any links or provide personal information unless you are sure of the source.’ The Florida Department of Transportation echoed similar sentiments, cautioning that legitimate communications from SunPass will never ask for sensitive information via text. As the prevalence of such phishing scams escalates, experts recommend utilizing official communication channels and taking proactive measures to protect against identity theft and financial fraud.
