Yesterday evening, I was hanging out with my kids when I received an odd text from an out-of-state number. The message notified me that I had an unpaid Ohio toll and would need to log into the SunPass toll payment site to avoid a $50 fee. While Ohio does have a toll road, the 241-mile Ohio Turnpike, I haven’t been on it. What’s more, it has its own website plus takes E-ZPass. This SunPass toll text scam is becoming quite widespread. In April, folks all over the country are being sent these texts.

In my case, the message came from a “306” area code. That’s Saskatchewan. Reportedly, the fake SunPass site linked in the text has similar colors and logos as the real site. However, it’ll immediately prompt you to enter personal information. This is all a farce, of course, so please don’t do it.

If you live or have driven in the SunPass zones, know that SunPass’s site has no extra words: www.sunpass.com.

Also, if you actually do have unpaid tolls, you won’t be texted about them.

The Ohio Turnpike issued a statement on its site about the text scam and advises folks who receive the fraudulent text to report it:

• File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov, and be sure to include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
• Check your account using the toll service’s legitimate website.
• Contact the tolling agency’s customer service center.
• Delete any smishing texts received.
• If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

Please share this information with anyone in your family or friend group who might be prone to text scams.

Related

Distracted Drivers Aren’t Just Texting, and It’s All Inexcusable

Think Twice About Bringing Common Household Items into Your Car

The World’s Worst Traffic Jam Was 62 Miles Long and Lasted Almost 2 Weeks