The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Issues Alert Regarding SunPass Text Scam

Residents of Lee County, Florida, are being cautioned about a concerning text scam involving SunPass that has recently surfaced. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to residents, urging them to be wary and take necessary precautions to avoid potential financial losses and identity theft.

The scam operates by individuals receiving text messages that claim to be from SunPass, a widely used electronic toll collection system in Florida. These messages inform recipients about a purported $3.95 charge for utilizing the Florida Express Lanes and urge them to settle the balance immediately to avoid additional fees. While the messages may seem authentic at first glance, they are fraudulent and aimed at deceiving recipients into divulging sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.

To add legitimacy to the scam, the fraudulent messages often replicate the format and language typically used in genuine communications from SunPass. This tactic is intended to mislead individuals into believing that the message is legitimate and warrants prompt action. However, it's crucial to note that SunPass would never demand immediate payment or pressure recipients to take urgent action via unsolicited text messages.

To safeguard against falling victim to the SunPass text scam or similar fraudulent schemes, residents are advised to take the following precautionary measures:

1. Verify the Source:

Before responding to any text message purporting to be from SunPass or any other organization, verify the authenticity of the message. SunPass has specified email addresses and text numbers from which official communications originate. If the message comes from a different source, it is likely fraudulent.

2. Exercise Caution with Links:

Avoid clicking on any links or attachments included in unsolicited text messages, particularly those claiming to require immediate payment or sensitive information. These links may direct individuals to phishing websites designed to steal personal data or install malware on their devices.

3. Contact the Organization Directly:

If you receive a suspicious text message, reach out to the purported organization directly using official contact information obtained from their official website or trusted sources. By contacting the organization, you can verify the legitimacy of the message and report any fraudulent activity.

4. Stay Informed:

Stay informed about the latest scams and fraudulent tactics circulating in your area by staying abreast of updates from law enforcement agencies and consumer protection organizations. Awareness plays a pivotal role in recognizing and avoiding potential threats.

5. Report Suspected Fraud:

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam or have fallen victim to fraudulent activity, report it to the relevant authorities without delay. Contact your local law enforcement agency or file a complaint with organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

By remaining vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect themselves from scams like the SunPass text scam, residents can shield their personal and financial information from falling into the hands of scammers. It's imperative to trust your instincts, validate the authenticity of messages, and promptly report any suspicious activity to authorities.