It typically starts with a text message. Suddenly, you glance at your phone and see a notification: “SunPass Services: You have an unpaid toll balance of $3.95. To avoid a $50 late fee, please pay immediately at [Link].” Naturally, your heart jumps because you do not want a fine. Since the amount is so small—less than a cup of coffee—you likely do not even think twice. Consequently, you click the link, enter your credit card info to pay the three bucks, and move on. Unfortunately, you just handed the keys to your bank account to a cybercriminal.
This is the “Smishing” Toll Scam, and it is currently exploding across the country. Although the FBI has issued warnings, the texts look incredibly real. Furthermore, they rely on urgency and low dollar amounts to bypass your skepticism.
