To recognize this month as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I issued a Consumer Alert this week with tips for Floridians to protect themselves from scams on the internet.
We have made significant strides in technology in the past few decades. The world is more connected now than ever before. Despite these leaps, there are villainous people who aim to take advantage of the speed and ease in which we share information.
Common scams to lookout for in cyberspace are tech support, phishing, malware and ransomware attacks.
To avoid these scams, consider the following:
- Never open attachments or click links in an email from an unknown source;
- Mark any suspicious emails as spam;
- Check if your internet browser has a secure connection;
- Create strong passwords for different websites by using upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters; and
- Make sure you are using security software and that it’s up-to-date.
You can also report cybersecurity scams to our office, by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or through our website MyFloridaLegal.com.
By protecting yourself against the tricks of online scammers, you can help stop cyber scams and build a stronger, safer Florida.
In The News
Florida leaders attend human trafficking summit in Orlando, WKMG Orlando
Florida holds human trafficking summit, WPTV West Palm Beach
Leaders Gather In Orlando For Summit On Fighting Human Trafficking Across The State, CBS Miami
Florida joins T-Mobile-Sprint merger settlement, CNET
Ashley Moody closed to open primaries proposal, Florida Politics
Protecting Floridians
PHOTO RELEASE: Attorney General Hosts 2019 Human Trafficking Summit
Attorney General Ashley Moody kicked off the 2019 Annual Human Trafficking Summit in Orlando. Florida’s Human Trafficking Summit brings together local, state and national leaders working together to eradicate all forms of trafficking. Attendees participated in targeted breakout sessions covering legal/law enforcement, service delivery, policy and research, and medical/healthcare. Attorney General Moody gave opening remarks to more than 850 registered attendees, including welcoming Governor Ron DeSantis to the Summit.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As the Chair of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, it is my honor to host the 2019 Human Trafficking Summit. Human trafficking is a horrifying plight on society, and we are working hard to stop it. With three major international events planned in our state in the next two years, collaboration and strategic planning are essential. This year’s Summit brings together leaders from across the state passionate in our efforts to end human trafficking.” Read More
Attorney General Moody to Challenge Misleading Primaries Proposal
Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a brief challenging a misleading ballot question that would give political parties—not voters—sole control over nominating party candidates for state office. The proposed amendment, All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet, does away with primaries as Floridians know them and allows political parties to nominate candidates as they choose. The ballot summary does not inform voters that the primary election would essentially be replaced by a general election with a run-off election to follow, if warranted.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The proposed ballot language does not open Florida primaries, it eliminates them, and gives party bosses—not voters—sole discretion over the party candidate nominating process. This proposed summary does not disclose that fact to voters and would undo a system set up to prevent political corruption and closed-door deal making. Read More
Attorney General Moody Joins DOJ in Supporting T-Mobile/Sprint Merger to Protect Consumers and Improve High-Speed Connectivity
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that she is joining the U.S. Department of Justice along with 10 other states in support of the T-Mobile US, Inc. and Sprint Corporation merger. The merger will bring Florida into a new era of high-speed connectivity while protecting Florida consumers and jobs. Florida’s support is part of an agreement reached earlier this week to address Florida-specific concerns, including concessions to protect Florida jobs and improving infrastructure. That agreement follows a comprehensive review of the merger by the Attorney General’s Antitrust Division, which reviewed the transaction extensively alongside the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. The DOJ and six other states previously entered into a settlement with T-Mobile and Sprint to address certain concerns that existed with the transaction. An additional four states have either joined that action or are otherwise supportive of the merger. The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has formally recommended that the rest of the Commission approve the proposed deal which contains certain commitments determined to be in the public interest.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We joined with the DOJ and other states in supporting a merger that is a win for all Floridians, especially those who live in our rural regions. Among other things, Panhandle areas devastated by Michael will have fortified cell towers to better protect communication during and after storms. Our office, along with our federal partners, undertook an extensive review of the relevant information regarding this proposed transaction, including working to understand their proposed business plan and plans for strategic development for Florida.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody kicked off the 2019 Florida Human Trafficking Summit in Orlando.
Attorney General Moody addressing the media at the Florida Human Trafficking Summit inside the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
Attorney General Moody with Polaris Project CEO and Executive Director Bradley Myles at the Florida Human Trafficking Summit. Myles delivered the keynote address at the Summit. The Attorney General is thankful for the Polaris Project and their help to combat and prevent modern-day slavery and human trafficking since 2002.
Attorney General Moody presenting advocacy, prosecutor, law enforcement and investigator of the year awards at the Human Trafficking Summit.
Attorney General Moody joined President Donald J. Trump in The Villages as the President signed the new Medicare Protection Plan. Attorney General Moody is thankful for President Trump’s commitment to protecting the healthcare of Florida seniors.
Attorney General Moody with Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez before President Trump’s Medicare Protection Plan signing event in The Villages.
Attorney General Moody with former Army Staff Sergaent Irving Locker in The Villages. Sgt. Locker served in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Attorney General Moody presenting a Cabinet Resolution to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in recognition of all the organization does to help Floridians struggling with thoughts of suicide. Attorney General Moody presented the resolution initially at the Florida Cabinet meeting in Septemeber—National Suicide Prevention Month.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay just launched a new program to encourage first responders contemplating suicide to seek help. Attorney General Moody received a behind-the-scenes look at the new program First to Respond. Last to Ask For Help.
Attorney General Moody congratulates Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Lieutenant John Meyer (far right) for being nominated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for an Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer Award.
Attorney General Moody celebrating National Coffee with a Cop Day with her husband Justin, a federal special agent. The Attorney General is grateful for all law enforcement men and women who protect Floridians.