Florida has recently suffered a surge in numerous frauds targeting locals and visitors alike. Here are five prominent scams to be aware of:
1. Grandparent Scams
Fraudsters pose as lawyers or legal representatives, calling elders with bogus stories about their grandchildren being engaged in serious accidents and needing bail money. In one incident, six individuals were arrested for stealing nearly $250,000 from Florida seniors through such fraudulent tactics.
2. Smishing Attacks
The FBI has issued warnings about an increase in “smishing” (SMS phishing) assaults, where criminals send phony text messages to trick receivers into giving personal information. These communications frequently spoof toll authorities or delivery providers, pushing users to click on harmful links.
3. Fake Toll Road Texts
A new scam involves SMS messages appearing to be from toll road operators like SunPass, saying receivers have unpaid tolls and fear penalty. These communications entice consumers to give payment information on fraudulent websites, leading to financial theft.
4. Phishing Scams Targeting Municipalities
Even local administrations are not immune. The City of Fort Lauderdale fell prey to a phishing fraud, resulting in a loss of $1.2 million. Scammers issued fake payment requests that appeared real, illustrating the intricacy of such operations.
5. Deed Fraud Using AI
Scammers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to perpetrate deed or title fraud, enabling them to transfer property ownership without the owner’s awareness. This expanding issue has affected properties nationally, including in Florida, leading to costly and convoluted legal fights for unknowing homeowners.
Residents are advised to keep watchful, verify unwanted messages, and report suspicious actions to local authorities to protect themselves from these growing scams.