Last year, more than 87 billion automated texts were sent nationwide compared to 72 billion robocalls. These automated messages often contain spam, malware or may even be connected to scams.
This week, I released Scams at a Glance: Robotexts and Robocalls. This new resource is full of information about both scam robotexts and robocalls, and what to do when you receive one of these messages.
It’s important to know how to identity problematic messages, as Americans lost more than $10 billion dollars to robotext scams in 2021 alone.
General tips from our Scams at a Glance: Robotexts and Robocalls brochure include:
- Do not click on links in text messages from unknown numbers, as the messages may contain malware or lead to malicious websites;
- Avoid answering texts from unrecognized senders. Responding to, liking or clicking these messages shows the scammer that the targeted user is active and could lead to more frequent scam messages;
- Never answer calls from unknown numbers, nor provide personal or financial information to unexpected or unsolicited calls; and
- Consider downloading text and call-blocking apps to further prevent scam texts and calls from reaching a mobile phone.
By knowing how to spot robotexts and robocalls, and avoid scams associated with these fraudulent messages, you can help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Attorney General announces new ‘Scams at a Glance’ resource as robotexts outpace robocalls, ABC 9 Orlando
Ashley Moody launches outreach initiative to help identify robocall scams, The Capitolist
Attention, Floridians! Warning Issued About Potential Cyberattacks, CBS 4 Miami
Florida AG issues alert for potential Russian cyberattacks, Florida News
Attorney general issues dire warning about dangerous drug, Villages-News
Florida AG Recognizes Crime Stoppers for **TIPS Line, NBC 6 South Florida
Attorney General Moody Presents Back the Blue Award to Florida Crime Stoppers for Success of **TIPS, South Santa Rosa News
Protecting Floridians
BACK THE BLUE ALERT: Attorney General Moody Presents Back the Blue Award to Florida Crime Stoppers for Success of **TIPS
Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers for its role in helping Florida’s **TIPS tip line expand to nationwide use. In October 2020, the Office of the Attorney General and FACS developed the first anonymous, statewide crime-reporting phone number, **TIPS, in the United States. Crime Stoppers USA recently adopted **TIPS for nationwide use so anyone in the country can report local crimes.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “For almost 45 years, Florida Crime Stoppers has given Floridians the power to report local crimes safely and anonymously to help law enforcement stop criminals. With the creation of **TIPS, crime reporting is easier and more convenient for citizens who now only need to remember one simple phone number nationwide. I am thrilled that Florida’s tip line will now be used across the country, and proud to recognize the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers with a Back the Blue Award for their tremendous support and success of this program that helps Back our Blue.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody recognized the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers with a Back the Blue Award in Doral for the organization’s help in expanding the **TIPS crime-reporting tip line to nationwide use.
Attorney General Moody with Deputy Director Stephanie Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Daniels is the first woman to serve as deputy director with the department.
Attorney General Moody with Miami-Dade Police Officer Alex Munoz and Dottie, a K9 therapy dog, on National Puppy Day.
