The Florida Attorney General’s Office has announced the shutdown of hundreds of fraudulent websites that targeted SunPass users with fake toll notices and phishing schemes. The websites, designed to steal personal and financial information, were shut down thanks to a collaborative effort between the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Cyber Fraud Analytical Support Team.
“These fraudulent SunPass websites preyed on unsuspecting Floridians and tourists, trying to steal personal information through fake billing notices,” said Acting Attorney General John Guard. “We are taking swift action to shut down these sites and protect consumers.”
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The scammers created websites that closely resembled the official SunPass and E-ZPass toll payment portals. They then sent phishing emails and text messages to potential victims, claiming they had unpaid tolls and fines. These messages often created a sense of urgency, prompting users to click on links that led to the fraudulent sites. Once on these sites, victims were tricked into providing personal and financial information.
To help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams, the Attorney General’s Office has released a new consumer protection resource, “Scams at a Glance: SunPass Safety.” This guide provides tips on recognizing and avoiding toll scams, including how to identify fraudulent websites and messages.
Tips to Avoid Toll Scams:
- Verify the source: Contact SunPass or E-ZPass directly using the customer service numbers on their official websites.
- Check accounts through official channels: Use only the official SunPass or E-ZPass portals to check for unpaid tolls, not links in unsolicited emails or texts.
- Be wary of threats: Messages threatening penalties for non-payment are likely scams.
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“Floridians need to be cautious when receiving texts or emails claiming they owe money for tolls as it could be a scam,” warned Guard.
This crackdown on fraudulent websites is a significant step in protecting Floridians and visitors from online scams. The Attorney General’s Office encourages everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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