Scams

Federal Officer Impersonation

Consumers have reported that scam callers are identifying themselves as a federal officer and typically instruct people to wire or mail “settlement” money or to assist law enforcement with an investigation against a bank. These calls are fraudulent, and call recipients should hang up immediately. Federal agencies do not call or email individuals threatening them to send money or to use their personal money as “bait” for a federal investigation.

Fraudulent PayFLClerk Website and Social Media Spoofing

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) has become aware of unauthorized and fraudulent activity involving the spoofing of the official website, www.PayFLClerk.com. A malicious actor has created look-alike domains and deceptive social media accounts in an attempt to mislead the public and redirect users to illegitimate platforms. Examples of spoofed domains include: payflclerk(.)com(.)com www-payflclerk(.)com Fraudulent social media accounts include: Facebook: facebook(.)com/payflclerk Twitter/X: x(.)com/payflclerks Always ensure you are clicking on the official homepage or social media accounts of the Florida Clerks website before proceeding with any transaction.

"FDLE Tampa" Fake Calls

Consumers are receiving calls claiming to be from “FDLE Tampa,” utilizing a spoofed telephone number mimicking “813-878-7300.” These scammers are claiming to be FDLE employees and threatening legal action regarding warrants. Be advised, these calls are fraudlent. These scams are frequently used to collect your personal and financial information. FDLE and law enforcement agencies do not discuss warrants over the phone or request payment in any form, including gift cards or cryptocurrency, to “clear” them.

Traffic Ticket Scam

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as been made aware that scammers are sending text messages posing as the Department claiming the recipient has an unpaid traffic ticket and threatens to suspend their driver license and vehicle registration if payment is not made immediately through a fraudulent link. FLHSMV will never contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest. Never click on unsolicited links or emails from an unknown source.

Florida Department of Revenue Scam

Consumers have reported receiving text messages claiming to be from the Florida Department of Revenue regarding availability or confirmation of tax refunds. The Florida Department of Revenue does not send text messages about refunds. Do not reply or click links in the messages.

Calls Threatening Medical Licenses

The Department of Health has reported that scammers are calling consumers and threatening action against health care providers' licenses by demanding money and asking for personal identifying information. Licensees will never receive unsolicited calls from the Department where personal information is requested, payments are demanded, or threats against your license are made. For more information and guidance on vitist: http://flhealthsource.gov/

Phony E-Mails from the SSA

Seniors are receiving emails that appear to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and have the subject line: “Claim Benefits!” It states “Important: Apply for Your Social Security Benefits Starting in 2025”. The link within the phony email is disguised as SSA’s official website, www.ssa.gov or www.socialsecurity.gov. Clicking on the link within the email redirects individuals to a fraudulent site. For more information on this scheme and how to avoid it visit: https://aaaswfl.org/scam-alert-do-not-click-the-link-to-claim-ssa-benefits/

Phony E-Mails from the Department of Financial Services

Insurance agents have reported phony emails claiming to be from the Department of Financial Services, are advising insurance licensees to verify their contact information by clicking on a link. These emails are not from the Department of Financial Services. Any legitimate emails from the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Agent & Agency Services, will only ask people to log into or verify information through our MyProfile or eAppoint online systems. Do not click on links from unknown sources. For more information visit: https://myfloridacfo.com/division/agents/industry/suspicious_emails

Missed Jury Duty Scam

Scammers are posing as law enforcement, falsely claiming you missed jury duty and attempting to obtain money or personal information, don’t fall for it. If you’re ever unsure, contact your local law enforcement.

Fake Jobs Offers

Consumers have reported online employment boards are being used to fake positions or work-from-home schemes. These scammers will pose as recruiters, contact employment seekers offering positions and often ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account information to complete the employment process or set up direct deposits. Always do research to determine if a job posting is legitimate by reviewing outside sources or contacting the company or entity directly.

Streaming Service Spoof

Consumers have reported that scammers are sending fraudlent emails posing as legitimate streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, in an attempt to steal personal identifying information and credit card numbers. The fraudulent emails often mimic the branding of popular subscription services and will use scare tactics, such as claiming your account has been locked or payment has failed. The goal: get you to click a malicious link or share your financial information. Do not click these links. If you have an account for the streaming service, log in through their website/application directly, NOT from the e-mail to check your account status.

Unpaid Toll Scam

Consumers have reported receiving texts and e-mails claiming to be from a tolling agency (such as Sunpass or E-Pass) that urge recipients to settle outstanding toll amounts or risk a late fee if the unpaid toll balance does not get settled immediately. The text also supplies a fraudulent link that recipients are asked to click to pay the bill. Never click on links from unsolicited emails or text messages. Always confirm the information by contacting the entity directly.

Scam E-Mails Claiming to Be Seacost Bank

Consumers have reported fraudulent email messages circulating that appear to be from Seacoast Bank, asking recipients to provide personal banking information for “enhanced security.” These emails are not legitimate. Always verify the legitimacy of any communications from your bank before clicking links or responding to emails.

Scammers Targeting Florida PEs Through Email

Consumers have reported scammers are targeting Florida Professional Engineers through a fraudulent email scheme. Do not click links in emails from DBPR or FBPE that ask you to download a “document bundle,” for your signature on a DocuSign document, or to send money to aid an ill child. DBPR emails are always sent from the @myfloridalicense.com domain. Never click on links in unsolicited email or text messages. Verify the information in question by contacting the Department or agency directly.

Passport Processing Scam in Pinellas

Consumers have reported that scammers are falsely claiming to represent FedEx and offering to process passport applications. Customers are being charged online for passport processing and then being directed to visit the Pinellas Clerk's office for an acceptance agent signature and document review without the required consent form or proof of travel itinerary. Consumers should always verify any information received from the clerk's office is legitimate by contacting the office directly. Customers who notice a suspicious passport application or website or who have paid a scammer are encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Misuse of personal information can be reported at IdenityTheft.gov.

Jury Summons Scam

Consumers have reported that scammers are impersonating jury summons and claiming the call recipient failed to appear in court, convincing the call recipient to then call a fraudulent 1-800 number to pay a fee to resolve it. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone and always verify the request by contacting the agency or department directly.

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