Along with the increase in users, comes an increase in fraud. The Federal Trade Commission reports that more than half a billion dollars were lost in 2021, and the prevalence of romance scams increased nearly 80% compared to 2020.
If you use one of these dating websites or apps, be cautious. Once a scammer successfully gains a victim’s trust, they begin laying traps to access personal or financial information. Victims can be pressured to send money, provide sensitive information or even ship valuable items and gifts to the scammer.
To avoid falling prey:
- Only interact with verified profiles;
- Never send money to anyone you meet online on a dating website;
- Inform a trusted friend or family member before meeting a match in person; and
- Ask detailed questions while staying alert to any inconsistencies in the conversation.
For more tips, check out my Scams at a Glance: Swindling Sweethearts resource at MyFloridaLegal.com/ScamsAtAGlance. Remember, by taking steps to prevent scams, you can help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Romance Scams Target Floridians, Costing Them Millions: FBI, Patch Tampa
Romance scams haven’t ended with Valentines Day, officials warn, Consumer Affairs
Ashley Moody Joins Other State Attorneys General in Challenging Biden’s Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate, Florida Daily
Broward Sheriff's Office, law enforcement partners bust violent criminal street gang, NBC 5 West Palm Beach
Retail theft crackdown proposal sails through Senate, Florida Politics
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Leads Multistate Fight Against President Biden’s Unlawful Vaccine Mandate for Federal Contractors
Continuing to fight for Floridians, Attorney General Ashley Moody is leading 17 other states in filing an amicus brief in support of the state of Georgia’s multistate suit against President Joe Biden's federal contractor vaccine mandate. The suit seeks an immediate end to the unlawful requirement that federal government contractors ensure that all employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Not only are there many Florida companies that will be negatively impacted by the unlawful requirements, but the challenged vaccination requirements intrude on Florida’s laws expressly restricting employer-vaccine mandates.
Attorney General Moody filed a similar action in October 2021 and won a preliminary injunction against the unlawful mandate. The federal government is currently appealing the state of Georgia’s case. Attorney General Moody is leading the charge on filing a multistate amicus brief in support of Georgia and to help block vaccine mandates for Floridians who work for federal contractors.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “While COVID-19 infections are rapidly decreasing, President Biden is showing no signs of relenting in his pursuit of power over the personal medical decisions of Americans. As Florida’s Attorney General, I am fighting to protect Floridians from Biden’s unlawful federal overreach and I am proud to lead a multistate effort in support of Georgia’s case to stop the unlawful vaccine mandate for federal contractors.” Read More
Attorney General Moody and Broward Sheriff’s Office Dismantle Violent Drug Gang
Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced the dismantling of a violent gang responsible for multiple crimes and instilling fear in communities across the northern end of Broward County. The Attorney General’s Office worked with the BSO and a host of law enforcement partners over several years on an investigation into the Alwoods gang. The multiagency investigation revealed that the gang members sold drugs and committed multiple crimes over the past two decades.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These gang members are connected to hundreds of cases—including violent crimes, drug trafficking and at least one fentanyl overdose death. Working with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies, my Statewide Prosecutors recovered approximately $2 million in illicit proceeds, including cash and other assets. We also seized approximately 64 kilos of deadly fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. Now, the suspects in this massive, organized crime round up will have to face justice.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody spoke to Leadership Tampa Bay about legislative priorities, stopping organized retail theft and supporting law enforcement during a meeting inside the Cabinet room at the Florida Capitol.
Attorney General Moody with British Consul General in Miami Nicolette Brent for an introductory meeting at the Florida Capitol.
Attorney General Moody speaking at the annual Gathering in Gilchrist event, which attracts hundreds of law enforcement leaders and advocates.
