CONSUMER ALERT: Deadline to Claim Millions in Tech Support Scams Restitution Approaches

The deadline to claim restitution resulting from the Florida Attorney General’s multimillion-dollar action to stop several tech support scams is fast approaching. The deadline to file a claim is Friday, Oct. 2. Thousands are eligible for restitution nationwide and consumers have already claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Cash is available for consumers who were scammed by several phony tech support companies investigated by my office, but action must be taken before the fast-approaching deadline. If you or someone you know were the victim of one of these tech support scams, please visit the reimbursement website and submit a claim by Friday, Oct. 2.” Read More

Attorney General Moody Joins FTC and Other States in a Nationwide Crackdown on Phantom and Abusive Debt Collection

Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Operation Corrupt Collector, a federal-state law enforcement sweep against phantom and abusive debt collection. In a joint effort with the Federal Trade Commission, and more than 50 federal and state law enforcement partners, the initiative involves enforcement actions brought by the FTC, three federal partners and 16 different state agencies against debt collectors engaged in these illegal practices. The sweep includes five cases filed by the FTC, two cases filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and three criminal cases brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In addition to Florida, states reporting actions as part of the operation include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Washington. As part of the nationwide sweep, Attorney General Moody issued two warning letters to businesses believed to be involved in abusive, deceptive or unfair debt collection practices.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “In a time when many are struggling with financial uncertainty and challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reprehensible that some debt collectors harangue consumers through unlawful threats, harassment and fraudulent attempts to collect nonexistent debt. These forms of predatory debt collection practices must end now, and I am confident that through federal and state cooperative efforts such as Operation Corrupt Collector, we will successfully fight for consumers and hold these companies accountable.” Read More

Attorney General Moody Secures Millions Following Multistate Investigation into National Data Breach

Attorney General Ashley Moody secured millions of dollars following a multistate investigation into a major data breach. Florida is part of a $39.5 million agreement stemming from Anthem’s massive data breach involving the personal information of more than 78 million Americans. Florida is receiving more than $600,000 to resolve the multistate investigation. In addition to the payment, Anthem will implement a series of data security and good governance provisions designed to strengthen its practices going forward.

In 2015, Anthem disclosed that cyber attackers infiltrated its systems, beginning in February 2014, using malware installed through a phishing email. The attackers were ultimately able to gain access to Anthem’s data warehouse, where they harvested names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, health care identification numbers, home addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and employment information for more than 78 million Americans, including approximately 1.5 million Floridians.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Data breaches have far-reaching and long-lasting effects on people’s lives. When companies fail to protect customers’ personal information, they owe it to the public to disclose that information quickly and to take steps to protect them from further damage. I am glad we were able to work with our state partners to resolve this matter and hopefully prevent future breaches and further harm to Anthem customers.” Read More