PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents about a rise in toll scams targeting unsuspecting drivers. These scams, often arriving via text message or email, attempt to trick victims into paying fictitious toll charges or divulging personal information.
The fraudulent messages may appear legitimate, even using the names of local toll authorities. They typically claim the recipient has an outstanding toll balance and must pay immediately to avoid penalties.
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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers these tips to avoid falling victim to toll scams:
- Be wary of unsolicited messages: Do not click on links or attachments in emails or text messages from unknown senders.
- Verify toll charges independently: If you receive a notice about unpaid tolls, contact your local toll authority directly using official contact information to verify the charges.
- Never share personal information: Do not provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited emails or text messages.
- Report suspicious activity: If you believe you have encountered a toll scam, report it to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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Remember: Legitimate toll authorities will typically provide a way to verify toll charges through their official website or customer service phone number. Always exercise caution and verify any suspicious toll notices before taking any action.
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