Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a Consumer Alert during National Identity Theft Awareness Week, providing Floridians with tips to avoid falling victim to fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported over 1.1 million cases of identity theft nationwide in 2022, with consumers losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud, marking a 30% increase from the previous year.
Moody emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal information, stating, "Identity theft affects millions of Americans every year and can cause extreme hardship for victims. During National Identity Theft Awareness Week, I am issuing tips for Floridians to safeguard their information and avoid fraud."
To help Floridians protect themselves from identity theft, Attorney General Moody offered the following tips:
1. Exercise Caution Online: Individuals are advised to be cautious when sharing personal information online. It is important to ensure that websites are secure and reputable before providing any sensitive data. Additionally, creating complex passwords and considering two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security to online accounts.
2. Secure Personal Information: Before discarding documents containing personal details such as Social Security numbers and financial information, it is crucial to shred them to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly reviewing bank statements, credit card bills, and financial accounts can help individuals identify any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activities.
4. Consider Credit-Monitoring Services: Exploring options for credit-monitoring services can provide alerts for any suspicious activities related to one's credit profile.
Attorney General Moody also provided additional resources for Floridians to learn more about identity theft and how to respond if they become victims. The "Scams at a Glance: Identity Theft" resource, prepared by Attorney General Moody, offers comprehensive information on avoiding identity thieves and steps to take in case personal information is stolen.
The FTC's Consumer.gov website contains a comprehensive guide that explains what identity theft is, how to recognize when fraud occurs, and what to do if one falls victim to it.
In the event of encountering identity theft, individuals are urged to report it to local law enforcement and to the FTC online at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 1(877) 438-4338.
The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians about emerging scams, new fraudulent methods, increased reports of common scams, or any other deceptive practice. These alerts aim to notify individuals about scams and available refunds, with the goal of preventing financial losses and other harm caused by deceptive practices.
If any individual encounters a scam, it is essential to report the incident to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, Floridians can protect themselves from identity theft and avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities during National Identity Theft Awareness Week.