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Attorney General Bondi Warns of Common Scams in Recognition of National Consumer Protection Week

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Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning Floridians about common scams in recognition of 2018 National Consumer Protection Week. Scammers often target Florida because of its large senior population, military bases and millions of tourists. Tax scams and vacation rental scams are also common during this time of the year.

“My office will continue to work tirelessly to fight fraud and protect Floridians from consumer-related scams, and we need you to join us in this effort.” said Attorney General Bondi. “This National Consumer Protection Week I urge Floridians to learn how to spot scams and what to do if you are targeted.”

Some common types of scams reported in Florida include:
 
Tech Support: Fraudulent pop-up ads claiming a computer is infected with malware that can be eliminated by calling the tech support number on the ad. If a consumer calls the number, the scammer will try to take remote control of the computer and hold it for ransom. For more information, click here. 

IRS Tax Scams: Scammers will call impersonating an IRS official and threaten to arrest or take legal action against a consumer for back taxes, unless the victim immediately wires funds or provides a prepaid debit card number. For more information, click here. 

Illegal Robocalling: Pre-recorded messages pitching a product or seeking financial information. Often the number is spoofed, or changed using software, to appear to be from a reputable company or charity. For more information, click here. 

Vacation Rental Scams: Fake internet postings advertising a vacation rental property not owned by the scammer. The goal is to steal the tourist’s deposit by leading them to believe they have booked a hotel or vacation house. For more information, click here. 

Military Scams: Scammers will target military members, veterans and their families promising exclusive discounts or other deals related to military service, benefits or charity. In 2017, Attorney General Bondi created the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to identify and stop scams targeting the military. For more information, click here.

Floridians can report these scams or other fraudulent business practices to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling (866) 9NO-SCAM or filing a consumer complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.

Since taking office in 2011, Attorney General Bondi’s Consumer Protection Division has recovered more than $10 billion for Floridians and consumers nationwide. Today, Attorney General Bondi will be reaching out directly to Floridians with Consumer Protection Tips on Twitter. To follow the Attorney General’s Twitter campaign visit Twitter.com/AGPamBondi.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Tips to Avoid Black Friday, Cyber Monday Scams

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In advance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Commissioner Adam H. Putnam is providing tips to help consumers avoid scams.
Keep the following tips in mind while shopping on Black Friday:

  • Some retailers may inflate prices ahead of Black Friday to create the illusion of a drastic price cut. Research the regular retail price of items to check how much will actually be saved.
  • Price matching policies may be suspended by some retailers between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
  • Be wary of unexpected emails that claim to contain coupons with significant discounts and ask for personal information. Don’t click on any suspicious links. These may contain malware to compromise your identity.
  • Read the fine print at the bottom of sales ads, as sales may be limited to certain time periods, brands or quantities.

Below are precautions to take on Cyber Monday:

  • Avoid websites with odd or incorrect spellings of legitimate companies. Domain names that include hyphens are often red flags.
  • Beware of bogus websites promising unbelievable deals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Be wary of “delivery failure” or “order confirmation” emails for items you did not order. These may be used to gain a consumer’s personal information.
  • Use a credit card for online orders. It is easier to dispute and mediate fraudulent charges with a credit card than a debit card.
  • Use strong passwords for credit cards and bank accounts.

Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

CFO Patronis: Be Scam Smart #AfterIrma

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today warned Floridians of scammers looking to take advantage of those impacted by Hurricane Irma. Floridians should be vigilant in verifying the identity of those claiming to represent government and relief agencies, and should ask questions to fully understand all contracts with insurance and repair companies.
CFO Patronis said, “As Florida continues the recovery process following Hurricane Irma, I urge all consumers to be scam smart and on the lookout for opportunistic scammers who try to prey on vulnerable people during this time. Regrettably, there are individuals who will attempt to take advantage of our fellow Floridians.”
Below are tips to help protect Floridians from scams:

  • Ensure you understand all documents a contractor requests you to sign, including assignment of benefits agreements. Ask questions until you fully understand who is responsible for payment.
  • Verify the identity of individuals claiming to represent government and relief agencies or insurance companies. Official personnel should display their ID badges, should provide identification without hesitation upon request, and say why they are in the area (i.e. surveying damage, assisting residents, etc.). If you suspect that someone is impersonating official personnel, contact the local police department or sheriff’s office immediately.
    • Beware of imposters going door-to-door claiming to be FEMA representatives, asking for money to assist with the filing of federal flood claims. FEMA does not charge for this service and does not go door-to-door in this capacity.
      • Reports of such activity were reported in North Florida following Hurricane Hermine.
    • Beware of robocalls from imposters claiming to represent FEMA, asking consumers to hang up and dial a 1-800 number to make an insurance payment ASAP to prevent policy cancellations.
      • Reports of such activity have been reported in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.
  • If you have damage to your home or vehicle, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.
  • Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses and hire only licensed professionals. To verify a contractor’s license, visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website –www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
    • Also, ensure that contractors carry the proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance by checking the Department’s Division of Workers’ Compensation database.
    • Beware of contractors requesting that you pay more than half of the cost upfront. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • If considering the assistance of a public insurance adjuster, verify that they are licensed.
    • Be sure that you understand how much a public insurance adjuster is charging and what services are included before signing a contract.
    • When there is a state of emergency declared by the Governor, there is a cap of 10% on the fee a public adjuster can charge. The cap applies to all residential and commercial residential claims related to the event for one year.
    • To verify an insurance agent’s or adjuster’s license, visit the Hurricane Irma resources webpage at www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

The Department of Financial Services’ Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) is available to assist home and business owners with all insurance-related questions and concerns. Reports of suspected fraud can be reported via the Helpline. Insurance experts are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

ICYMI: ABC Action News: Florida's AG launches consumer protection initiative to protect vets, military from scams

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Pam Bondi: “We want them to know they should be proud to report it, because they could be helping other people. They are not complaining, they are making a difference.”
ABC Action News
Nicole Grigg
May 17, 2017
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a new consumer protection program on Wednesday to help protect veterans and active service members from scams.
The Military and Veterans Assistance Program (MVAP) will help stop deceptive business practices affecting military service members and veterans.
Bondi said her office feels scams within the military community are under reported.
“Florida has more than 90,000 active duty and reserve military members and more than 1.5 million veterans,” said Attorney General Bondi.
To view the story, click here.

Attorney General Bondi Warns of Repair Scams Following Recent Storms

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In the aftermath of the deadly thunderstorms that impacted the Southeast, Attorney General Pam Bondi is urging Floridians to be wary of storm-related scams and is offering tips to safeguard against potential scammers.  
“While there is not an official declared state of emergency in Florida due to the recent severe weather, affected consumers may still be targeted by scammers,” said Attorney General Bondi. “In many parts of our state, trees are uprooted, homes and businesses are damaged and contractors and tree removal services are in demand, making conditions ideal for scams.”
After a severe and damaging storm, unscrupulous individuals will sometimes prey on those in distress. To safeguard against scams in the aftermath of a storm, consumers should follow these tips:

  • Be wary of anyone who approaches unsolicited about property repairs or tree removal;
  • Acquire multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate;
  • Research the company and its reputation – ask for references and contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the company;
  • Verify that the contractors or tree service companies are licensed by contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation;
  • Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current; and
  • Never pay up front or make final payment until completely satisfied with repairs.

Consumers can report fraudulent activity by calling the Attorney General’s fraud hotline at 1(866) 9-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.