Last week our Consumer Protection team identified the top issues for you to be aware of! Patriot Protection Week, Robo Calls, Wire Transfer Scams. Follow our Consumer Watch Team for the latest.
Florida AG launches “Patriot Protection Week”
As part of the campaign, the attorney general will provide tips and resources to service members and veterans via Twitter. Follow the hashtag #ProtectOurPatriotsOAG.
Attorney General Moody said the following can be done to avoid military-related scams:
- Beware of scammers using misleading photos or language to imply an association with a branch of the U.S. Military;
- Verify the authenticity of an email or text that appears to be from a military branch. Phishing schemes use manipulated messages that appear to be from a military branch or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in an effort to target service members, veterans or family members;
- Ensure any veterans charity soliciting funds is registered with the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 800HelpFla.com; and
- Place an active duty alert on credit reports at no cost. An active duty alert requires businesses to take additional steps before granting credit in the name of active duty personnel serving overseas.
We believe the issues with Robo Calls have hit a CRITICAL level.
The counter-measures to spoof technology as well as the sophistication of these scams have claimed many victims. Seniors are most venerable to the tricks of the trade. Check out the Podcast here.
Did you know…Nearly 2.4 billion robocalls are made every month, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We are revisiting the Robocalls topic with tips from the BBB.
Never Send Money!
BBB continues to warn timeshare consumers about third party companies who use high pressure sales tactics with superlative advertising claims, like “Money Back” Guarantees for Exit services. There are so many Wire Transfer scams going on right now that the BBB is working overtime on scam tracker to protect consumers who are subjected to these constant solicitations. @BBBWestFlorida
Never send money to someone you have never met face-to-face. Really don’t do it if they ask you to use wire transfer, a prepaid debit card, or a gift card. All of these payment forms are functionally the same as cash – they cannot be traced or recovered.
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