MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities are warning the public about a text message scam that attempts to steal personal and financial information by falsely claiming to be from prepaid road toll programs like E-ZPass or SunPass.
Scammers are sending text messages that fraudulently claim to be from these toll services. The goal of these texts is to trick recipients into providing sensitive information, such as credit card details.
The advice from authorities is clear: If you receive a text message claiming to be from E-ZPass or SunPass, ignore it. Instead, contact the respective organization directly through official channels to inquire about your account status or any potential issues.
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This scam is similar to other prevalent scams where criminals impersonate officials from government agencies, law enforcement, utility companies, or banks to extort money or acquire personal data.
The public is urged to be vigilant and adhere to the following safety guidelines:
- If you receive unsolicited contact demanding payment from someone claiming to represent a law enforcement agency, government organization, utility company, bank, or credit card company, do not provide any information. Hang up the phone and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number.
- Be wary of any requests for payment using unconventional methods like gift cards or Bitcoin, as this is a common red flag for scams.
- If you receive a message from a family member or friend urgently requesting money, always verify the request by contacting that person directly before sending any funds.
- If you suspect a scam, save any relevant text messages, emails, or other information and contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office directly through their website (www.keysso.net/locations).
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By staying informed and following these precautions, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
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