TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida officials and the state’s banking industry have launched a new public awareness campaign aimed at helping residents recognize and report scams, with a particular focus on protecting seniors from fraud.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The initiative was announced by the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Bankers Association during Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a national observance held each June. According to the organizations, Floridians lose an estimated $1 billion annually to fraud, with older adults among the most frequent victims.
“Fraud is growing in sophistication and reach,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
“It destabilizes households, drains public resources, and strips seniors of the financial security they spent a lifetime building. As scams become more sophisticated, prevention is just as critical as enforcement. I’d like to thank Florida’s banking community for expanding our reach and giving people the tools they need to spot fraud early and report it quickly.”
According to the Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Bankers Association, the campaign will include educational videos, social media outreach, digital resources, and community education efforts designed to help Floridians identify fraud schemes and report suspicious activity.
“Florida bankers are often the last line of defense – stopping money from moving when they spot fraud. It takes significant investment, constant vigilance, and coordination, particularly with law enforcement,” said Kathy Kraninger, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Bankers Association.
Niceville.com Community Partner
“Through this campaign, we’re engaging the public to join this fight and recognize the red flags. When bankers, law enforcement, other partners, and the public are working together, we have a much stronger chance of stopping fraud before the damage is done,” Ms Kraninger, said.
The organizations noted that the Federal Trade Commission designated Florida the “Fraud Capital of the United States” in 2024. That year, Floridians reportedly lost more than $866 million to fraud, with seniors accounting for nearly 30 percent of the statewide total.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, its Senior Protection Team has recovered $9.5 million for senior fraud victims since 2019. The agency’s Consumer Protection Division has secured nearly $700 million in restitution since 2019 and $10 billion in total recoveries since 2011.
The Florida Bankers Association said it supports fraud prevention through training programs, partnerships with law enforcement, and legislative initiatives. Among those efforts is Fraud Academy, a training program that brings together experts from the U.S. Secret Service, law enforcement agencies, and fraud prevention specialists.
Floridians who believe they have been targeted by a scam are encouraged to report it through the Florida Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal.com, by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM, or by contacting local law enforcement.
Niceville.com Community Partner
