New SunPass Toll Scam To Watch Out For
There is a new SunPass Toll scam to watch out for. Scammers are impersonating SunPass through text messages with phony links designed to steal your information. I actually received a weird text message the other day from SunPass. I can’t remember ever getting a text message from SunPass, so I thought it was weird right away.
The text read: Florida toll services: We’ve noticed an outstanding toll amount of $12.51 on your record. To avoid a late fee of $50.00, visit….sunpasstollservices.com to settle your balance.
The first thing I questioned was the amount. $12.51? Second, I’m already signed up for automatic balance replenishing through SunPass website, so I knew right away this couldn’t be correct. It also never mentioned SunPass, but instead mentioned, Florida Toll Services. Lastly, the website was not the same as the SunPass website, so I knew it was a scam. I did not click on it.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who got the same messages and did click on it. Saw the story on WTSP and felt I should share it too. The story says the texts started last Wednesday. I got mine on Friday. It seems many were duped into thinking they owed money to SunPass. The last thing you want to do these days is add more “costs” and “fees” to everything, so you want to do anything you can to prevent it. So, it’s natural to click on it to avoid any extra charges, but don’t. It is 100% a scam and not from SunPass.
SunPass said it did not send the text messages and that it will never ask for immediate payments or urgent actions via text.
The link in the text message will redirect the consumer to a website impersonating SunPass. The site even includes logos and branding, but it’s fake. SunPass said it had been alerted to the phishing attempts but believed its system had not been compromised.
SunPass said it will only ever contact customers from the following:
- customerservice@sunpass.com
- noreply@sunpass.com
- Text: 786727
Top Mistakes That Can Get You Hacked
Reusing Passwords
Many of us are still using the same password across many different accounts. While it’s pretty common, it’s not a good habit to have. If you’re reusing passwords for multiple websites and accounts, a hacker could potentially use that password to log into those accounts. Nobody wants to have to remember a 16-digit password for every single one of their accounts, especially when getting locked out of a computer or platform at the most inconvenient time. But if a security breach were to happen, that’s one less problem to worry about. Like, remembering which accounts are at risk of a threat.
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Oversharing On Social Media
Personal data exposure is really a thing. When you share personal information on social media, you expose yourself to the risk of identity theft and fraud. According to the New York Institute of Technology, Cybercriminals can use the information you share, such as your full name, date of birth, and location, to impersonate you or launch targeted attacks. Most people know that sharing sensitive information such as your car information, address, work history, or phone numbers can make you vulnerable. But some people forget that this information can also be identified through pictures and innocent as sharing your new car photo or your child’s first day of school photo.
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Using Unsecure Wi-Fi
Hackers can use unsecured Wi-Fi connections to distribute malware. If you allow file-sharing across a network, the hacker can easily plant infected software on your computer. Free public Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere at places like restaurants, hotels, airports, bookstores, and even retail outlets. But public wi-fi comes with risks. “Hackers can also use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection to distribute malware. If you allow file-sharing across a network, the hacker can easily plant infected software on your computer,” said Kaspersky, a tech company. Some people highly recommended looking into a VPN to encrypt internet traffic and keep your data hidden.
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Clicking Suspicious Links
Clicking on a suspicious link or phishing link can sometimes set off a malware download that often contains malicious files. According to Aura, a credit monitoring platform, these links are capable of collecting information stored on your device. Hackers can steal credit card numbers, bank account numbers, usernames and passwords, and other personal information. If you’ve clicked on a phishing link, Cyber Tec Security suggest completely disconnecting from the internet.
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Out-Of-Date Software
The last thing many of us want to do is update our software. But there are many reasons why it’s important to do so. Software updates not only fix and improve problems with your software it also helps you avoid hackers. According to the University of Idaho, software updates often include patches that fix vulnerabilities or bugs that hackers can exploit to access your system or data. “By installing the latest updates, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect your personal and business information,” they said.
Ralf Hahn/ Getty ImagesNot Using Multi-Factor Authentication
One of the most effective things you can do to protect your online accounts is turning on multi-factor, or two-factor, authentication for as many of your accounts as possible. This method often uses a piece of information such as a code generated by an app or sent to your phone alongside a password. Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to the authentication process. According to Tech Target, using multi-factor authentication makes it harder for attackers to gain access to a person’s devices or online accounts. Most companies have this in place for their employers but it’s something you can use for personal emails too.
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