Scam Alert
The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is alerting its customers of an ongoing national texting Phishing Scam which the FBI is now referring to as “smishing”. The scam has been reported in several states, including Florida, and thousands of people have been targeted.
The text scam poses as a tolling agency and states that the recipient has an unpaid toll balance. The message threatens late fees or enforcement action if the balance is not paid immediately and includes a fraudulent link directing recipients to submit payment. In some cases, scammers also create fraudulent websites that impersonate tolling agencies.
Example of Scam Text
Security & Fraud
- CFX places the utmost importance on security and is dedicated to safeguarding your personal information. We employ advanced technology and robust methods to ensure your data remains protected.
- With millions of Americans affected by identity theft and scams such as smishing and phishing, it’s crucial to stay vigilant. These tactics are commonly used by criminals to commit financial fraud, and CFX is committed to helping you recognize and prevent these threats.
What steps should you take if you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam text regarding outstanding tolls?
- If you have clicked a suspicious link or shared your information, take steps to secure your personal and financial accounts immediately. Review and dispute any unauthorized charges.
- Log in to your E-PASS account online or via the E-PASS app to review account balances and confirm your personal information. E-PASS Customers can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from any toll agency should not click on the link. CFX or E-PASS will not text you about an outstanding toll balance.
Call Us
Speak with an E-PASS
customer service representative
in English or Spanish.
(407) 823-7277
or 1-800-353-7277
Monday through Friday
7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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Visit Us
Visit our walk-in E-PASS Service Center to pay your bill, add funds to your account, pick-up a free E-PASS and more.
Click here for detailed directions to the E-PASS Service Center
Monday through Friday
8 AM – 6 PM
Saturday
9 AM – 1 PM
Helping you stay secure
- Text messages and emails have been circulating that falsely claim to be from local toll agencies. This issue is not unique to Florida, as scammers are impersonating toll road authorities across the nation.
- The fraudulent texts request personal and financial information to resolve supposed overdue toll fees and threaten additional late charges if payment is not made immediately. An example of what a scam text might look like is shown at the top of this web page..
- If you receive one of these messages, do not click on any links. The message is a scam and not from CFX, E-PASS or another tolling agency in Florida. Anyone who receives it should immediately report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
- Scammers are now including fake DMV penalties in scam texts, claiming recipients will face suspension of vehicle registration, driving privileges, or even prosecution if payment is not made immediately. These messages contain links designed to steal your personal information. Never click unknown or suspicious links.
- In addition, scammers are now creating fraudulent websites that impersonate tolling agencies. When accessing E-PASS, use only the official E-PASS website and phone numbers, and contact E-PASS directly with any questions. Always verify you are on an official site before entering any personal or payment information.
- Additional examples below:
Additional information to help protect you
- Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages, emails, or other communications claiming to be from CFX or any tolling agency. Even if the message seems legitimate, always verify the information by visiting a trusted website or calling a verified phone number.
- Report fraudulent communications by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov, the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which shares information on internet crimes with law enforcement agencies.
- Avoid being rushed into making decisions. Legitimate businesses will provide the time needed for careful consideration, while scammers often use high-pressure tactics to obtain payment or personal information.