J.D. Hodges

What is “CFX VES” or “CFX VES WEBSITE” on my credit card statement? (Updated 2025)

I noticed something strange on my credit card statement recently, or maybe you did, and that’s what brought you here.

A line item reading “CFX VES” or “CFX VES WEBSITE.”

If you’re like most people, seeing an unfamiliar charge that looks official can be alarming. You start doing the mental math. “I haven’t been to Florida recently… have I? Is my card stolen?”

I did some digging. I can’t speak to every situation, but here’s what this charge usually means, plus the red flags worth taking seriously. In my instance, my wife had been to Florida and that is what the charge was for, a legitimate toll charge.

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1) The legitimate charge (what “VES” usually points to)

In many cases, this is a real CFX payment tied to tolls around Orlando.

• CFX = Central Florida Expressway Authority (the agency that manages expressways around Orlando) Central Florida Expressway Authority
• VES is commonly used in this context to refer to the violation/enforcement side of toll processing, meaning the charge often relates to a Pay By Plate invoice, an unpaid toll notice, or a violation-style payment made through the website CFXWay Epass

Translation: you might not be looking at a “normal toll pass refill.” You might be looking at a payment made to resolve something that started as toll-by-plate.

Why you might see a legit charge even if it feels random

• Delayed billing: Pay By Plate can generate invoices later (plate captured, invoice mailed, then paid later), so the timing can feel disconnected from the actual drive Central Florida Expressway Authority
• Someone in your household paid it: spouse, family member, or employee on a shared card
• Rental cars: rental toll admin fees and toll-by-plate invoices can create confusing statement descriptors and timing

How to verify (safest method)

Use the official portals and look up the source there. Type the address yourself, don’t follow random links.

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2) “I was never in Florida” scenarios (potential fraud)

If you are certain you (and your vehicle) haven’t been anywhere near Central Florida recently, it’s time to consider the two big fraud patterns.

A) The smishing text scam

There’s been a big wave of scam texts claiming you owe unpaid tolls and must pay immediately using a link. The FTC describes these as phishing attempts designed to steal card details and personal info. Consumer Advice
CFX also explicitly warns that they will not text you about an outstanding toll balance and to avoid clicking unsolicited links. Central Florida Expressway Authority
The FBI’s IC3 has issued guidance on toll smishing scams and recommends checking accounts only via legitimate websites and disputing unfamiliar charges if you clicked a link. Internet Crime Complaint Center

B) The “stolen card test charge”

Fraudsters sometimes run small “test” transactions (often with government/utility-sounding descriptors) to see if a card number works before attempting larger charges. If the amount is small and there’s no Florida connection at all, treat it as suspicious.

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One suggested action plan

Here’s what I would do, in order:

1. Check your calendar and travel: Were you (or your vehicle) in Central Florida in the last 30 to 90 days? Pay By Plate invoices can be delayed. Central Florida Expressway Authority
2. Ask your household: “Did anyone pay a toll invoice or notice online?”
3. Think rental car: If you rented a car in Florida, check that paperwork and any follow-up emails.
4. Review recent texts/emails: If you clicked a “pay toll now” link, assume compromise until proven otherwise. Consumer Advice
5. If you can’t verify it: Call your bank and handle it as potential fraud. (They can dispute the charge and replace the card if needed.)

Note: This post is informational based on public guidance and research. Always verify directly with your bank and the toll authority.

CFX (Central Florida Expressway Authority): https://www.cfxway.com/
CFX Payment Options (E-PASS vs Pay By Plate): https://www.cfxway.com/for-travelers/tolls/toll-payment-options/
E-PASS Pay Invoices / Citations: https://epass.cfxway.com/paytolls
CFX Scam Alert: https://www.cfxway.com/scamalert/
FCC guidance on toll-scam texts: https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs/how-spot-and-avoid-toll-road-payment-scam-texts
FTC guidance on unpaid-toll scam texts: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam