SunPass Toll Scam: How to Protect Yourself
If you’ve received a text message claiming to be from SunPass about an unpaid toll or a package waiting at a warehouse, you’re not alone. Scammers are using fake toll payment alerts to steal personal and financial information. These messages often contain a malicious link that leads to a phishing website designed to harvest credit card details or login credentials.
How the SunPass Toll Scam Works
Scammers send fraudulent text messages that appear to come from SunPass, Florida’s electronic toll collection system. These messages typically claim that you have an unpaid toll and must pay immediately or face penalties. Some variations mention a package that has been held due to an unpaid fee. Here are a few real-world examples:
Example 1:
SunPass Alert: You have an unpaid toll of $12.75. Pay now to avoid penalties: [malicious link]Example 2:
Your package has arrived at the warehouse but cannot be delivered due to an outstanding SunPass toll fee. Resolve here: [malicious link]Example 3:
Toll violation detected on your vehicle. Immediate payment required to avoid legal action: [malicious link]These messages are designed to create a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients into clicking the link without verifying the legitimacy of the claim.
How to Identify a Fake SunPass Text Message
- Check the sender – SunPass does not send text messages demanding immediate payments. If the message comes from an unknown number, it’s a red flag.
- Look at the link – Official SunPass links will always use the “sunpass.com” domain. Scammers often use lookalike domains with slight misspellings.
- Consider the urgency – Scammers use scare tactics, such as threats of fines or legal action. Legitimate organizations provide multiple notices and do not demand immediate payment via text.
- Verify with SunPass – If you receive a suspicious message, contact SunPass directly through their official website.
How Watchdog Detects and Prevents Scam Messages
Phishing scams like the SunPass toll fraud are becoming increasingly common, but AI-powered solutions can help stop them in their tracks. Watchdog is an advanced moderation tool that automatically detects and flags fraudulent messages before they can cause harm.
How Watchdog Works
- AI-Powered Detection: Watchdog analyzes messages in real-time, identifying scam patterns and phishing attempts.
- URL Analysis: The system checks links against known phishing databases and flags suspicious domains.
- Custom Rule Implementation: Community managers and businesses can configure Watchdog to recognize specific scam messages, such as fake SunPass toll texts.
- Automated Alerts: If a scam message is detected, Watchdog can automatically notify the user, warn the community, or delete the message to prevent spread.
By using Watchdog, businesses, online communities, and individuals can protect themselves from these evolving scams without manually monitoring every message.
What to Do If You Receive a SunPass Toll Scam Message
If you receive a suspicious text, follow these steps:
- Do not click the link. This is the most important step—never engage with phishing links.
- Report the message. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) or report them to SunPass directly.
- Block the sender. Prevent future scam attempts from the same number.
- Monitor your accounts. If you’ve clicked the link, check your bank statements and change any compromised passwords.
Stay Ahead of Scammers with Watchdog
Text scams are only getting more sophisticated, and cybercriminals continue to find new ways to exploit unsuspecting users. With Watchdog, you can stay one step ahead by automatically filtering and detecting scam messages before they spread.
Protect yourself and your community—get started with Watchdog today.
For more cybersecurity insights, check out our latest articles on phishing prevention and AI-powered scam detection.