ORLANDO, Fla. — Many people in Central Florida — and across the country — have received text messages threatening late fees and other penalties for an unpaid toll balance.

Officials say, though, that the texts all part of an elaborate scam that has targeted drivers nationwide.

What You Need To Know

  • Many people in Central Florida — and across the country — have received text messages threatening late fees and other penalties for an unpaid toll balance

  • Officials say that the texts all part of an elaborate scam that has targeted drivers nationwide

  • Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and Central Florida Expressway Authority have started a campaign, which includes messages on highway signs, to warn drivers not to fall for the scam

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and Central Florida Expressway Authority have started a joint campaign, which includes messages on highway signs, to warn drivers not to fall for the scam

E-PASS and SunPass have sent messages to customers saying: “Stop. Think. Don’t click that link.”

The fraudulent text messages include a link to a fake website that the scammers use to collect personal information.

SunPass, the prepaid toll program, says it’s a tactic called “smishing,” where a fraudster tries to get a person’s information via text and they often demand immediate payment, so they have to act quickly.

But officials say don’t be rushed — the text messages may look official with the name of a tolling authority like “SunPass” or “EZ-pass,” but they’re not.

Anyone who receives the text is urged to delete it immediately.

Officials say these agencies will never request payment or personal information via text messages.