By: Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno
They seemingly arrive daily: “You have unpaid tolls.”
While many are aware this is a scam, questions still remain. We spoke with Joshua Hanchey, Senior Technology Specialist at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, to learn more.
Q: Is visiting the link dangerous?
A: Simply visiting may not cause harm, but if the site is malicious, it can install malware, exploit browser flaws, or redirect you elsewhere.
Best Practice: Avoid suspicious sites. If you visit one, close it and run a security scan.
Q: The message asks for a reply with “Y” and then to open a link. What’s the risk?
A: Responding can confirm your number is active, opening the door for more scams.
Best Practice: Don’t reply to messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
Q: Should we block the number and report it?
A: Yes. Blocking prevents further contact, and reporting helps reduce spam for others.
Best Practice: Block and report junk messages, then delete them.
Replying to these messages can expose personal data, compromise accounts, confirm your number is active, or even install malware. If unsure whether a message is legitimate, search for the agency’s official contact info online and reach out directly.
