Chomping Down on Fraud & Scams in Florida
The Florida Scam Stoppers initiative was launched to help protect Floridans from the growing epidemic of fraudsters who prey on hardworking families. Just last year, Americans reportedly lost more than $12 billion to fraud and scams, a 25% increase from the year prior. By empowering consumers with the tools and knowledge to spot scams and making it easier to report them to our investigators, we’re cutting off criminals who seek to steal Floridian's hard earned money.
– CFO Blaise Ingoglia
We Need Your Tips
Your fraud tips make a difference. Every report helps us chase down fraudsters and shut the door on their scheme. Together, we will stop scams in their tracks and make Florida the worst place in America to commit fraud.
Report Scams by Phone
Call the CFO’s Consumer Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) to report scams by phone. The helpline is available Monday -Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. eastern. If this is an emergency and you need immediate assistance, call 911.
Protecting Floridians from Scams
Scammers target Floridians every day - seniors, small-business owners, renters, and people recovering from storms or major life events. They use phone calls, texts, emails, fake websites, and even door-to-door tactics to steal money and your personal information.
The good news: most scams follow predictable patterns. When you know the warning signs, you can spot a scam quickly, protect your finances, and stop fraudsters from victimizing others. Below are practical tips and trusted resources every Floridian should know.
11 Tips to Protect Yourself From Common Scams
- Slow Down — Scammers Create Urgency
If someone pressures you to “act now,” threatens arrest, or claims your account will be closed immediately, pause. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not demand instant payment or decisions. - Government Agencies Don’t Ask for Payment by Gift Card
No Florida or federal agency will ever request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps. This is one of the most common red flags. - Don’t Trust Caller ID or Email Addresses
Scammers can spoof phone numbers and email addresses to look real. Even if the name looks familiar, independently verify by calling the official number listed on a trusted website. - Never Share One-Time Codes or Login Credentials
Banks, utilities, and government offices will never ask for your password or one-time verification code. Anyone requesting this information is attempting fraud. - Beware of Storm-Related and Disaster Scams
After hurricanes or floods, scammers pose as contractors, aid organizations, or insurance representatives. Always verify licenses and never pay in full upfront. - Watch for Fake Prizes, Sweepstakes, and Giveaways
If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Claims that require you to “pay fees or taxes” to collect a prize are almost always scams. - Check Businesses Before You Pay
Before hiring a contractor or service provider, confirm licensing through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. - Protect Your Personal Information
Shred sensitive documents, use strong passwords, and be cautious about what you share on social media - scammers mine public information to make their schemes more convincing. - Talk to Someone You Trust
Scammers rely on secrecy. If something feels off, stop and talk to a family member, friend, or financial institution before sending money or information. - Report Scams — It Helps Others
Reporting scams helps law enforcement spot trends and prevent future victims, even if you didn’t lose money. - Beware of Text Message Scams - Text message scams, often called “smishing,” are one of the fastest growing forms of fraud. Scammers send messages that appear to come from banks, delivery companies, government agencies, or even people you know, trying to trick you into clicking a link or providing personal information. Never click links or download attachments from unexpected texts