Bad actors may attempt to take advantage of the situation to sell unneeded repairs—or new systems. To help Floridians avoid these schemes, this week I released Scams at a Glance: Keep Your Cool.
This new resource is full of information to help consumers avoid common scams associated with HVAC repair.
Tips highlighted in Scams at a Glance: Keep Your Cool include:
- Become familiar with how HVAC systems operate so bad actors cannot exploit a lack of knowledge;
- Obtain second opinions on repairs and cost estimates;
- Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics; and
- Insist on a written agreement.
By knowing how to spot and avoid scams, you can keep your cool and help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
As Summer Starts, Ashley Moody Warns Floridians About HVAC Scams, Florida Daily
Beware Of HVAC Scams In Florida This Summer, WFLA Florida News
Crypto scammers using LinkedIn, Moody warns, Center Square Florida
Drug dealers using social media to target children, Villages-News
Harsher penalties for those convicted of "organized retail theft" rings, CBS 12 News
Ron DeSantis Signs Ashley Moody Backed Proposal Combating Organized Retail Theft, Florida Daily
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody's Priority Legislation Combating Organized Retail Theft Signed by Governor
Attorney General Ashley Moody is thanking Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing priority legislation to help Florida prosecutors dismantle organized retail theft rings. During the 2022 Florida Legislative Session, Attorney General Moody worked with lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1534 to provide more tools to prosecute members of organized retail theft rings. Prior to the start of session, retail theft escalated dramatically in large cities outside of Florida—with major incidents occurring during the holiday shopping season in locations like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We continue to be proactive in making sure organized retail theft rings do not have a free pass to pillage retailers in Florida. While prosecutors in other states may turn a blind eye to these massive retail crimes, in Florida we enforce the law to protect our citizens and visitors. This new law will help us continue this important work and enhance public safety. I want to thank Gov. DeSantis and state lawmakers who fought for this important legislation to help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.”
Read MoreCONSUMER ALERT: Scammers Use LinkedIn to Execute Crypto-Investment Scheme
Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about scammers using LinkedIn to target potential cryptocurrency investors. A recent LinkedIn blog post claims there is a rise in fraudulent activity across the internet—including on the company’s platform. According to recent reports, users lost more than $1.6 million to cryptocurrency investment schemes utilizing LinkedIn to contact targets. One Floridian recently lost more than $280,000—their entire life savings. The Global Anti-Scam Organization reported that many fake LinkedIn accounts associated with the scheme originate from Southeast Asia.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Scammers try to build quick credibility with their targets in order to steal money or obtain personal information. We are now seeing them utilize professional social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, in an attempt to appear experienced and knowledgeable. Once trust is gained, they begin to execute a multifaceted cryptocurrency-investment scheme. We warned about this scheme earlier this year, but I am issuing a new Consumer Alert to ensure Floridians know to never provide personal or financial information to strangers online—no matter what platform they are using."
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