CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Government Imposter Scams on National Slam the Scam Day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians about government imposter scams on the fifth annual National Slam the Scam Day. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $2.7 billion to imposter scams in 2023. Many consist of scammers impersonating government agencies to steal personal and financial information. Attorney General Moody is issuing tips to help Floridians avoid falling prey to government imposter scams.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "On the fifth annual Slam the Scam Day, I am warning Floridians about government imposter scams. Fraudsters may pose as Social Security officials or other government representatives to trick targets into handing over money or personal information. Know that government agencies will not call, email or text you and ask for money-only a scammer will do that."

In these schemes, scammers pose as government officials and contact potential victims claiming that information or money is required to complete an action. For example, a fraudster may pose as a Social Security Administration official and tell a target that benefits will end unless payment is made. Imposters also pose as officials from the Internal Revenue Service, FTC and local law enforcement agencies. Scammers may then demand payment or sensitive personal information with the threat of fines or legal consequences.

To avoid these imposter schemes, check out the following tips from the FTC:

• Don't trust caller ID-while a call may show the government agency's real phone number or name, scammers can spoof this information;
• Don't wire money or use gift cards, cryptocurrency or a payment app to pay someone you don't know who claims to be from the government;
• If in doubt that a call is from a government agency, hang up and call the office directly; and
• Don't click on links in unexpected emails, texts or social media messages that claim to be from a government agency.

To learn more about National Slam the Scam Day, click here.

To report government imposter scams or other fraudulent schemes, visit MyFloridaLegal.com or call 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

# # #

The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians of emerging scams, new methods used to commit fraud, increased reports of common scams, or any other deceptive practice. Consumer Alerts are designed to notify Floridians about scams and available refunds in an effort to prevent financial losses or other harm caused by deceptive practices. Anyone encountering a scam should report the incident to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. To view recent Consumer Alerts and for other information about avoiding scams, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.