Consumer Alert
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is highlighting a report from the Federal Trade Commission announcing members of the military will have access to a free tool to help spot identity theft. Based on implementation of the Economic Growth and Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, starting October 31, the nationwide credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion —will provide free electronic credit monitoring services to active-duty servicemembers and National Guard members.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida’s 65,000 active-duty servicemembers are twice as likely to be targeted for scams; unfortunately, our state ranks in the top five for fraud overall. We must do everything possible to protect our service members and their families as they work to protect us at home and abroad. I encourage all eligible military service members who call the Sunshine State home to take advantage of this service to better protect yourself.”
Credit monitoring services can be a vital tool to fight fraud and scams by alerting you to mistakes or problems on your credit report that might be the result of identity theft. Once activated, the credit monitoring service can notify you by mobile app, email, or text of certain changes to your credit file including delinquent accounts, late payments, bankruptcy information, foreclosures, liens, and new accounts opened in your name.
For details on how to sign up, go to the websites for each of the credit reporting agencies. If you find signs of identity theft or fraud, visit FraudFreeFlorida.com to report it immediately.
About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
