Introduction
In recent years, Florida residents and travelers have faced a rising threat: the SunPass toll scam. Criminals are using fake text messages, emails, and fraudulent websites to trick people into paying non-existent tolls. These scams mimic official notices from SunPass or Florida’s toll authorities, leaving many confused about whether the charges are legitimate. In fact, the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) have issued repeated warnings about the seriousness of these fraud attempts.
This guide is your complete resource for identifying, reporting, and protecting yourself from SunPass scams in 2025. From smishing texts in Miami to fake invoices in Tampa, and from phishing websites targeting Orlando to fraudulent customer service calls in Jacksonville, this article will walk you through everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently spot fake SunPass bills, verify real toll charges, and report scams to the proper authorities.
What is the SunPass Toll Scam?
The SunPass toll scam is a form of fraud where criminals send fake notices about unpaid tolls to trick individuals into making payments. These messages often appear via text (smishing), email (phishing), or even phone calls. The scams can also involve fake websites that look identical to the real SunPass portal.
Unlike legitimate toll charges that come from SunPass.com or official government sources, scam messages use urgency, scare tactics, and fraudulent links. Victims are often told they must pay immediately to avoid late fees or legal action.
Fraudsters have also expanded their methods in 2025, demanding payments in unusual ways like gift cards, Zelle transfers, or even cryptocurrency. These are obvious red flags, as real SunPass never asks for payment outside its official channels.
SunPass SMS Scam – What to Do
One of the most common tactics is the SunPass SMS scam, where users receive a text message claiming they owe a toll.
Typical scam texts may read:
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“SunPass: You’ve been charged $3.95 for Florida Express Lane usage. Avoid additional fees by paying now.”
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“Florida SunPass Alert: Your vehicle has an unpaid toll invoice. Pay immediately to prevent suspension.”
What to Do:
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Do not click any link in the text.
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Check your SunPass account directly at sunpass.com.
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Report the scam to FDLE, Florida AG’s office, or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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Block the number to prevent future scam attempts.
Miami, Orlando & Tampa Alerts
The SunPass toll scam has appeared in nearly every major Florida city:
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Miami SunPass Toll Scam Text: Residents report receiving messages demanding immediate payment through shady links.
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Orlando SunPass Phishing Alert: Tourists and locals alike have been targeted with emails claiming unpaid tolls from theme park trips.
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Tampa SunPass Fake Invoice: Victims describe paper invoices mailed to their homes that looked official but were entirely fabricated.
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Jacksonville SunPass Scam Number: Scammers have been calling residents pretending to be SunPass customer service, pushing for payment over the phone.
How to Spot a Fake SunPass Bill
Recognizing a fake SunPass bill is the first step in protecting yourself.
Signs of a Scam:
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Unusual payment methods (gift cards, Zelle, Bitcoin).
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Threatening language (“Pay immediately to avoid suspension”).
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Suspicious links or domains not ending in
.govorsunpass.com. -
Spelling or grammar errors in the message.
Real vs Fake SunPass Emails
| Feature | Real SunPass Email | Fake SunPass Email |
|---|---|---|
| Sender | customerservice@sunpass.com or noreply@sunpass.com | Random Gmail, Yahoo, or spoofed address |
| Links | Always direct to sunpass.com | Redirects to unknown domains |
| Payment | Only via official SunPass site | Requests gift cards, Zelle, or crypto |
| Tone | Professional, informative | Urgent, threatening, poorly worded |
How to Report a SunPass Scam
If you encounter a suspicious message, you should know how to report a SunPass scam properly.
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Report SunPass phishing text Florida: Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM).
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SunPass scam email report address: Forward fraudulent emails to abuse@sunpass.com.
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Contact Florida Attorney General’s Office: File a complaint directly with their fraud division.
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FDLE SunPass Scam Alert: FDLE actively tracks toll fraud and encourages reporting.
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FBI IC3.gov: For national scam reporting.
By reporting, you help protect others and give law enforcement the evidence they need to shut down these networks.
Disputing Fake SunPass Notices
Some scams go further and send fake paper toll violation notices. If you’ve received one:
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Do not pay it immediately.
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Verify real SunPass toll charges by logging into your SunPass account.
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If no charges appear, it’s a scam.
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File a complaint to dispute fake SunPass toll notice with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation).
Remember, Pay by Plate SunPass scam variations are also common, where criminals pretend to represent Florida’s Pay-By-Plate system. Always confirm via the official state website.
New Scam Variations in 2025
Fraudsters continue to evolve their methods. Some of the latest SunPass scam Florida 2025 updates include:
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Current SunPass phishing domains that look like the official portal but are designed to steal credit card data.
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SunPass gift card payment scam, where victims are told to pay with prepaid cards.
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Zelle payment request SunPass scam, pushing peer-to-peer transfers.
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Bitcoin or crypto SunPass toll scam, a newer and highly suspicious trend.
If any notice asks for payment methods outside the SunPass website, it’s guaranteed to be fraudulent.
SunPass vs E-ZPass Scam Texts
Both SunPass (Florida) and E-ZPass (northeastern toll system) have been used in scam campaigns.
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SunPass scam texts often include references to “Florida Express Lane” or “Miami Toll Plaza.”
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E-ZPass scam texts target northern states but use nearly identical wording.
The similarity shows how scammers recycle tactics, only swapping regional details.
Safety Tips to Protect Your Account
Protecting your SunPass account requires proactive steps:
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Check your SunPass account regularly – how to check SunPass account for scams.
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Enable two-factor authentication – SunPass two factor to prevent scams.
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Block scam phone numbers – block SunPass scam phone number.
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Educate seniors – scammers often target the elderly, so share resources to protect seniors from SunPass toll scam.
Florida Law Enforcement Warnings
Authorities have been clear about the danger of toll scams:
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Florida Attorney General SunPass Scam: Acting AG John Guard announced hundreds of fake sites shut down in 2025.
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FDLE SunPass Scam Alert: FDLE works closely with toll authorities to stop smishing campaigns.
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Florida Turnpike SunPass Scam Warning: Official state statements confirm that SunPass never asks for payments via text.
These warnings should be your first clue that any text demanding immediate payment is fraudulent.
FAQs About the SunPass Toll Scam
Why did I get a SunPass toll text?
You likely received a scam text. Real SunPass does not text customers for payments.
What does a real SunPass email look like?
Legitimate emails only come from @sunpass.com domains and never request payment outside the portal.
Are SunPass toll texts legit?
No, SunPass does not send payment requests by text.
How do I block SunPass scam calls?
Block the number on your phone and report it to your carrier and SunPass support.
Key Takeaways
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The SunPass toll scam is one of the fastest-growing fraud threats in Florida.
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Criminals use texts, emails, websites, and even phone calls to trick victims.
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Never click suspicious links or send payments via gift cards, Zelle, or crypto.
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Always verify charges through your SunPass account at the official website.
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Report scams to FDLE, Florida AG, and IC3.gov to help stop them.
