Week In Review
The federal tax-filing deadline is just a few days away and millions of Americans will be busy this weekend preparing their taxes. This week, I issued a Consumer Alert for those last-minute tax filers, warning them not to use public Wi-Fi when preparing or uploading sensitive information.…
President Joe Biden has obliterated the southwest border, and it’s about to get even worse. The Biden administration is preparing to rescind Title 42, a pandemic-era rule that allows border agents to quickly expel migrants from countries where high levels of a communicable disease are present.…
Florida continues to be a leader in the fight to stop federal overreach. This week, standing with Governor Ron DeSantis in the Florida Capitol, I announced our role in leading a multistate action to end unlawful mask mandates for public transportation. Florida is joined in this important action…
Did you know that robotexts are now outpacing robocalls in terms of total messages received? 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…
For years, we have been warning about the dangers of fentanyl and how just one pill laced with this synthetic opioid can kill. Now, a new synthetic opioid has been found in Florida that is even deadlier. This week, we issued a dire warning about this emerging threat—Isotonitazene. The drug, more…
It’s National Consumer Protection Week, and in recognition of the occasion, my office is providing tips and resources to help Floridians avoid scams. Since taking office, my Consumer Protection Division has recovered more than $310 million in total relief for Florida—with more than $236 million…
This week, we are recognizing three years of the Back the Blue campaign. When I took office, I wanted to create an initiative that awarded Florida law enforcement who went above and beyond their call of duty and citizens who extraordinarily backed the blue. I also wanted to highlight those who…
As Attorney General, I am constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve how we fight and prevent crime. Since taking office, we have launched several initiatives to engage the community in helping law enforcement reduce crime across Florida. I am proud to announce that this week, one of…
This week, I issued a Consumer Alert on Valentine's Day warning Floridians about online dating scams. Dating websites and applications are growing in popularity, with some estimates showing roughly 44 million Americans logged on to find companionship last year alone—26 million using a…
This week, I am challenging Floridians to show their love for law enforcement through our Hearts 4 Heroes Challenge. The challenge is a simple way to show appreciation for those who risk their safety to protect ours. To participate, simply record a video, take a photograph or snap a selfie of an…
This week, to help Floridians avoid scams associated with the rise in popularity of cryptocurrency, I released a new Scams at a Glance. Currently, 1 in 10 Americans are invested in cryptocurrencies. With more people interested in crypto, scammers are seizing the opportunity to take advantage of…
This week, I issued a Consumer Alert with some alarming news about a rise in jury duty scams in Florida. Reports of jury duty scams have surfaced in at least five Florida counties in the past year—two of those warnings coming in this month alone. Scammers are calling targets claiming they missed…
Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we support those who risk their safety to keep us safe. It’s not just rhetoric; this legislative session, I am supporting changes that will improve recruitment, retention and training for law enforcement officers. Since taking…
This week, I announced a new initiative to drastically grow the ranks of Floridians dedicated and equipped to help us fight human trafficking. To win this fight, we must work together. That is why I am launching the 100 Percent Club. The 100 Percent Club is a new initiative to recognize Florida…
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and I am asking Floridians to join our fight to make Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking. This is an atrocious crime, and if we are going to end this illicit practice in our state, it will take all of us working together.…
This week, I joined local and state law enforcement leaders to encourage Floridians to be safe on our roadways this holiday season. While Floridians are enjoying this time of family, friends and festivities—what they may not know is that this is also when we see an increase in DUI arrests and…
This week, I announced millions in relief for consumers regarding cancellations, purchases and scams related to the pandemic. Once COVID-19 hit Florida last year, my Consumer Protection Division kicked into high gear to protect Floridians from scams related to the health crisis—working…
This week, along with the Florida Retail Federation and law enforcement leaders, I announced the launch of Florida’s first statewide task force to combat large-scale retail theft, as well as a new tool designed to help better coordinate prevention and prosecutorial efforts. The new tool called…
It’s International Fraud Awareness Week and one of the best ways to fight fraud is to empower consumers with information and resources to spot and avoid scams. Fraudsters work day and night to trick consumers into parting with their hard-earned money. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners…
This week, I warned consumers about payment app hack attacks. The COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted more Americans to use these apps in an effort to reduce face-to-face contact. In 2019, 64 million individuals in the United States used peer-to-peer mobile payment applications. There are now…