On International Fraud Awareness Week, Attorney General Ashley Moody has provided guidance to help Floridians protect themselves from fraud. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans reported around 2.6 million fraud cases in 2023, with losses exceeding $10 billion—an increase of over $1 billion compared to the previous year.
Attorney General Moody stated, “Last year, consumers nationwide reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud — an increase of more than $1 billion over the previous year. During International Fraud Awareness Week, I'm urging Floridians to learn how to spot fraudulent schemes and issuing tips to help them safeguard their finances. Staying informed and taking simple, but critical steps can be the difference between keeping your hard-earned money and huge financial losses."
To combat fraud, Attorney General Moody advises Floridians to:
- Regularly check account statements for unauthorized charges or withdrawals.
- Use credit cards for online purchases due to additional fraud protection.
- Review credit reports annually; free reports are available from major agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Avoid sending personal or financial information via text or email.
- Shred unnecessary sensitive documents.
- Collect mail daily and arrange mail forwarding or holding when away.
Attorney General Moody has also introduced two programs aimed at educating Floridians about scams. The Consumer Alerts program provides updates on emerging scams and misuse of technology for deception. Additionally, the Scams at a Glance initiative offers resources that teach consumers how to avoid common fraud types.