Florida Residents: Watch Out for This E-Pass & SunPass Scam

Toll Payment Text Scams in Florida: What You Need to Know

Have you received a text message saying you owe money for an unpaid toll? Did it mention SunPass or E-Pass and warn of late fees or legal action if you don’t act fast? If so, do not click the link. There’s a widespread scam targeting Florida drivers—and it’s getting more sophisticated.

At TechPals, we hear from users every week about strange messages like this. Some are worried, others are confused, and a few have already clicked before realizing something wasn’t right. That’s why we put together this comprehensive guide: to help you understand how these scams work, what red flags to look for, and what to do if you’ve already engaged with a fake toll message.

Whether you’re a Florida resident, snowbird, or just visiting the Sunshine State, keep reading. This post could save you from financial loss or identity theft — and help you protect your friends and family, too.

How the Scam Works

Scammers know that many Floridians use toll roads frequently. They also know that drivers may not remember every single toll charge—especially if you’ve been traveling or using rental cars. That confusion is exactly what scammers exploit.

Here’s the basic scam:

1. You receive a text message claiming you owe money for a toll.

2. The message uses urgent language, like “final notice” or “pay immediately to avoid late fees.”

3. A link is included, often using phrases like “SunPass” or “E-Pass” in the URL.

4. If you click the link, you’re taken to a fake website that looks like a real toll payment portal.

5. The site asks for personal and financial information, such as:

   • Credit card or bank account details

   • Driver’s license number

   • Home address

   • Date of birth

6. Once submitted, your data is harvested by scammers and may be used for fraud or identity theft.

Some of these scam sites are designed to look incredibly real. They may even use logos or colors that resemble official toll agencies. But make no mistake: neither the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) nor SunPass sends toll payment requests via text message.

Who These Scams Target — and Why

These scams don’t happen randomly. Florida is one of the most toll-heavy states in the U.S., with thousands of drivers using E-Pass, SunPass, and other systems daily. Tourists, snowbirds, commuters, and commercial drivers are all potential victims.

Scammers know this. They design messages that sound plausible enough to trigger concern—but vague enough that you won’t be able to tell immediately whether they’re fake.

They also take advantage of:

• Confusion around toll payments

• Missed paper bills or outdated account info

• Out-of-state drivers who don’t recognize the process

• People using rental cars who aren’t sure how tolls were handled

That’s why TechPals recommends learning the signs of a fake toll notice and always double-checking through official sources.

Signs a Toll Text Is a Scam

Spotting a scam isn’t always easy — but there are some common patterns that can help you stay alert. Here are the most frequent red flags we see:

1. Urgent or Threatening Language
Scam messages often say things like “Last warning,” “Pay now to avoid legal action,” or “Final notice before penalty.” This pressure is intentional. Scammers want you to act fast, before you think critically.

2. Suspicious or Unfamiliar Links
The link may include words like “SunPass” or “E-Pass,” but look closely. It often ends in strange domains or misspelled words. A real SunPass link will be part of www.sunpass.com. Anything else is cause for concern.

3. Mention of Late Fees or Lawsuits
Florida toll agencies won’t sue you over a missed toll — and they don’t send fee threats via text. Real notices arrive through the mail or your official account email.

4. A Text from the Wrong Number
SunPass only sends official messages from short code 786727. Any text from a regular phone number or unfamiliar short code is likely fake.

5. Odd Formatting or Grammar
Look for strange punctuation, spacing, or language. Scammers often use translation software or rush to get messages out, resulting in awkward text.

If you're not sure whether a message is real, take a screenshot and send it to help@techpals.org — we’ll help you confirm it safely.

What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Text

Don’t click anything. Don’t reply. Just stop. Once you interact with a scam message, even just by replying “STOP,” scammers may flag your number as active and send you more messages in the future.

Instead:

1. Check your toll account directly

   • For SunPass, visit www.sunpass.com

   • For E-Pass / CFX, go to www.cfxway.com
     Don’t Google the site — type the URL directly into your browser.

2. Report the scam
   Forward the message to 7726 (that’s the spam reporting number used by major cell phone carriers). This helps them track and block future scams.

3. Delete the message
   Once reported, delete it. Don’t click or interact further.

What If You Already Clicked the Link?

If you clicked the link but didn’t enter any information, you’re likely okay — just don’t revisit the site.

If you entered any personal or financial information, take these steps immediately:

1. Contact Your Bank or Card Provider
Let them know your data may have been compromised. They can freeze your account, monitor activity, and issue a new card.

2. Change Your Passwords
If you entered login details (for a toll account or anything else), update those passwords right away. Use a strong, unique password you haven’t used elsewhere.

3. Consider a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert. This tells lenders to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name.

4. Monitor Your Accounts Closely
For the next few weeks, keep an eye on your credit card and bank activity. Look for small “test” charges — scammers often start there.

5. Email TechPals
Not sure what to do next? Contact us at help@techpals.org. We’ll help you figure out your next step and make sure your phone and personal data are secure.

Related Questions People Ask

At TechPals, we hear a lot of questions around toll scams, text fraud, and privacy concerns. Here are a few of the most common:

• How do I know if a text is real or fake?
  Always look at the sender, the link, and the tone of the message. Urgency is often a red flag.

• Does SunPass ever text you?
  Rarely. If they do, it will come from short code 786727. Even then, be cautious and go directly to the website.

• What happens if I ignore a real unpaid toll?
  You may eventually receive a notice in the mail, or be charged an administrative fee. But you won’t get sued from a text message.

• What should I do if I entered my info on a scam site?
  Take action immediately. Contact your bank, update passwords, and consider a fraud alert.

• Are there other scam texts like this?
  Yes. Scam texts may claim to be from Amazon, USPS, your phone provider, or even Medicare. Always check with the official source.

Find answers to more questions at techpals.org/blog or contact us directly. We’re here to help — no question is too small.

Why This Scam Works — And How to Fight Back

Toll text scams succeed because they strike a balance between believability and urgency. They use real-sounding names and familiar concepts, then add pressure so you don’t stop to ask questions.

They also rely on a frustrating truth: we’re all busy. It’s easy to miss a real toll charge or forget whether you paid a bill. Scammers use that uncertainty to their advantage.

But awareness is your best defense. At TechPals, we’re on a mission to help people use their phones and computers with confidence — and that includes knowing how to spot a scam before it causes damage.

Extra Protection: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

If you’ve ever been targeted by a scam — or just want better protection — we recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts.

With 2FA turned on, you’ll need to enter a code (usually texted to your phone or sent through an app) whenever you log in. Even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t get in without the second code.

Here’s how to enable 2FA on some common services:

• Google/Gmail: Visit myaccount.google.com/security

• Facebook: Settings > Security and Login > Two-Factor Authentication

• Amazon: Account > Login & Security > Two-Step Verification

• Apple ID: Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security

Need help setting any of this up? TechPals can walk you through it step-by-step. Email us at help@techpals.org or visit techpals.org to get started.

Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Stay Secure

Toll scams are just one of many ways cybercriminals try to trick you. But you don’t need to fall for them. With the right knowledge — and a little support — you can recognize the red flags and avoid clicking on anything dangerous.

To recap:

• Toll agencies like SunPass and CFX do not send payment texts

• Never click on a suspicious link in a text

• Go directly to the official site to check your toll balance

• If you’re not sure, ask us — we’re here to help

At TechPals, we believe technology should feel safe and empowering — not overwhelming. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a toll scam, send them this article and tell them about techpals.org. Together, we can make the digital world a safer place.

And if you ever get a weird text and don’t know what to do, just forward it to help@techpals.org. We’ll help you figure it out — no stress, no judgment.