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Florida lawmakers are advancing a bill to regulate cryptocurrency ATMs, which have become a popular tool for scammers targeting residents, particularly seniors who have lost significant savings with little recourse. Senate Bill 198 would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed, set daily withdrawal limits, display fraud warnings, and provide detailed receipts to prevent future scams. If you or a family member has fallen victim to a crypto scam, contact [email protected] for assistance.

The FBI is warning people about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that over 550 people in North Florida lost $22.2 million to these schemes last year, where scammers create fake dating profiles to extract money and personal information from victims. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends verifying the identity of people you meet online, never sending money or personal details to someone you haven't met in person, and being wary of anyone trying to isolate you from friends and family. If you suspect you're being targeted by a romance scam, stop contact with the person and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov, even if no money was lost.

Two Minnesota women of Ecuadorian descent lost money to a scam involving a fake attorney who promised to help get their detained relatives released from ICE custody. The scammer, operating under the name "Inmigrate & Asociados L.LC." with a Florida phone number, collected $1,500 from each victim while providing inconsistent information and fraudulent documents, with the detainees never actually being contacted by the supposed attorney. Potential victims seeking immigration legal assistance should verify an attorney's credentials through official bar associations, avoid paying large upfront fees before services are rendered, and seek help from established nonprofit organizations or pro-bono legal services instead of unknown contacts found on digital flyers.

Two Ecuadorian women in Minnesota say they were scammed while seeking legal help to free family members detained by ICE, paying $1,500 to someone posing as an attorney from "Inmigrate & Asociados L.LC." who contacted them through a digital flyer with a Florida phone number. The scammers targeted vulnerable immigrants desperate to navigate the immigration court system and prevent their loved ones' deportation. To protect yourself, verify attorneys through official state bar associations, be wary of unsolicited legal offers, and never pay upfront fees to unknown legal representatives without confirming their credentials independently.

# Fraud Summary Two Minnesota women lost $1,500 each to someone posing as an immigration attorney after their family members were detained by ICE, according to WCCO reporting. The scammer, operating under the name "Inmigrate & Asociados L.LC." with a Florida phone number, collected payments but provided inconsistent information and forged legal documents with typos and grammatical errors, while the detained relatives were never actually contacted by any attorney. People seeking immigration legal help should verify attorneys through official bar association databases, work with established nonprofits or accredited representatives, and be wary of unsolicited contact or demands for upfront payments without clear documentation and direct communication with the detainee.

Romance scammers are targeting Northeast Florida residents at an alarming rate, with the FBI reporting a 39% surge in victims from 2024 to 2025 and losses more than doubling from $4.9 million to $10.6 million. Anyone who suspects they're being targeted by these scams should report it immediately to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov to protect themselves and help authorities track down the perpetrators.

An 80-year-old Florida woman is suing JPMorgan Chase for failing to prevent scammers from draining $1.3 million from her account after she fell victim to a fraudulent investment scheme in September 2023. The woman claims the bank flagged the suspicious withdrawals but took no action and failed to report the activity as required by Florida law, while Chase argues she made the transfers voluntarily. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment advertisements, verify opportunities independently before sending money, and alert your bank immediately if you suspect fraudulent activity on your account.

# Romantic Scam Summary A 56-year-old Florida woman was arrested for running a romantic scam that defrauded vulnerable elderly and lonely people out of approximately $3 million over six years, with one victim losing nearly $140,000 after believing she was helping someone return to the U.S. The suspect used social media and online dating sites to build trust with victims before requesting money for emergencies, travel, or visa fees. Authorities advise people to never send money or gifts to individuals they know only through the internet, as the Federal Trade Commission warns that romance scams are specifically designed to exploit emotional vulnerability before making financial requests.

# Fraud Alert Summary Scammers are impersonating a Tampa-based mobile home brokerage by stealing the company's logo, name, and address to defraud customers—primarily elderly adults seeking affordable housing—into sending deposits via Zelle for properties they never own. Victims who believed they were buying manufactured homes lost their deposits, which are unlikely to be recovered since they authorized the transactions themselves. To protect yourself: verify any mobile home seller's legitimacy by contacting the company directly using independently found contact information, never send deposits before viewing a property in person and meeting with an official representative, and be skeptical of any pressure to quickly transfer money via Zelle or similar payment systems.

Fraudsters impersonated a Florida mobile home brokerage by stealing its logo, name, and address to trick customers—primarily older adults seeking affordable housing—into sending deposits via Zelle for properties that didn't exist. The victims are unlikely to recover their money since they authorized the transactions themselves. To protect yourself, verify companies directly by calling their official phone number (not from listings), never send deposits before viewing properties in person, and be especially cautious with affordable housing offers that pressure you to pay quickly.

A 23-year-old man named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans, convincing them to liquidate retirement accounts and convert their savings into cash and gold, which he then collected and delivered to co-conspirators. The scheme resulted in millions of dollars in losses and particularly affected Florida's large retiree population, though such scams occur across the country. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contact pressuring them to liquidate savings or convert assets to cash or gold, and should contact law enforcement if they suspect fraud.

# Romance Scam Summary A Florida woman was arrested for operating a romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately $3 million over six years, with at least one victim losing over $100,000. The scam involved creating fake dating profiles and social media accounts to build trust with victims before requesting money. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles that quickly ask for money, avoid using gift cards for payments to people you haven't met in person, and verify the identity of anyone you meet online before sending any funds.

A 23-year-old courier named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, particularly retirees in Florida. The scam convinced victims to liquidate their retirement accounts and convert savings into cash and gold, which Sathawane then collected from their homes and delivered to co-conspirators operating abroad, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited requests to liquidate assets or convert savings into cash or precious metals, and contact law enforcement if you suspect fraud.

# Romance Scam Summary A 56-year-old Florida woman was arrested and extradited to North Carolina after defrauding multiple victims of approximately $3 million over six years through romance scams conducted on dating apps and social media. The scammer created fake profiles to build trust with victims before requesting money, exploiting dozens of people across the country. To protect yourself, never send money or gifts to online romantic interests you haven't met in person, and report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to the platform where you encountered the scammer.

# Romance Scam Summary A 56-year-old Florida woman was arrested after allegedly defrauding victims nationwide of approximately $3 million over six years through romance scams, with one North Carolina victim losing $139,900. Romance scammers typically create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, build trust with victims, and then request money under false pretenses. To protect yourself, never send money or gifts to someone you haven't met in person, and report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A Florida woman was arrested for allegedly running a romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately $3 million over six years, with one North Carolina victim alone losing $139,900 after being tricked into sending money for a fake male suitor. Romance scammers typically create fake dating profiles or contact people through social media, build trust, then request money under false pretenses, often accepting gift cards as payment. To protect yourself, never send money or gifts to someone you haven't met in person, and report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A 23-year-old Indian citizen living in Florida was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role as a delivery driver in an elaborate fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims. The scam involved con artists calling victims and falsely claiming they had received unauthorized payments, then convincing them to send increasingly large amounts of money via cryptocurrency and gold coins—one 83-year-old victim lost nearly $200,000 in gold coins before becoming suspicious. Consumers should be wary of unsolicited calls about account issues, never send money or valuables to unknown parties, and contact police immediately if they suspect fraud.

# Romance Scam Summary A Florida woman named Christina Julian has been extradited to North Carolina and accused of defrauding approximately $3 million from victims across the country over six years, including a Craven County woman who lost $139,900 in what authorities say was a romance scam involving false promises about money transfers. To protect yourself, be wary of online dating matches who claim to be unable to meet in person due to overseas work, military service, or travel, and never send money to people you've only met online—especially through gift cards—even if they've built a relationship with you over time. If someone you're communicating with online suddenly asks for financial help for medical bills, travel costs, visa fees, or other expenses, it's likely a scam.

A Florida woman has been arrested and extradited to North Carolina for orchestrating romance scams that defrauded multiple victims across the country of approximately $3 million over six years. Scammers typically create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before fabricating emergencies and requesting money, with gift cards being a commonly used payment method. To protect yourself, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, and report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the platform where you encountered the scammer.

Thousands of 9/11 families and terrorism victims are competing in court to claim over $11 billion in Bitcoin seized by the U.S. government from a massive fraud and human trafficking operation allegedly run by Cambodian national Chen Zhi. Some plaintiffs argue the cryptocurrency actually originated from Iran's sanction-evasion scheme, making it eligible for seizure under terrorism victim compensation laws. While the legal battle unfolds, victims with unpaid judgments against terrorist organizations could potentially recover significant compensation, though the outcome remains uncertain as multiple law firms race to claim the assets.

A community event in The Villages will educate residents about scams targeting seniors, hosted by Seniors vs. Crime, a Florida Attorney General initiative, on Tuesday evening at El Santiago Recreation Center. The presentation will cover common fraud schemes, particularly financial scams, and provide practical tips for protection along with helpful resources and contact information. All Village residents are invited to attend the free session, which will include a question-and-answer period, making it an opportunity for seniors and their families to learn how to recognize and avoid becoming victims of fraud.

A new survey ranks Nevada as America's most deceitful state, with nearly one in five residents admitting to frequent lying and the second-highest rate of romance scams, while Florida leads in overall fraud and identity theft, and Arizona suffered the largest losses to romance scams at $53.7 million in 2024. The study highlights serious threats including a notorious "romance scam on steroids" in Nevada where a woman targeted elderly men through dating apps, as well as increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled voice cloning scams in Florida. Experts advise residents to be cautious with online dating profiles, protect personal information carefully, verify urgent requests from loved ones through direct contact, and report suspicious activity to authorities.

An 80-year-old Florida retiree lost $1.3 million after scammers convinced her to withdraw funds from her Chase account by posing as a legitimate investment opportunity; she made 30 large withdrawals over five months that Chase's systems flagged as suspicious but failed to stop. The woman is now suing Chase, arguing the bank should have done more to protect her given her long banking history with the branch and the unusually high transaction amounts for her account. **Actionable advice:** Seniors should be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers, never withdraw large sums of cash based on promises of returns, and consider asking trusted family members or advisors to review major financial decisions—banks may flag suspicious activity, but customers remain responsible for their own protection.

A 38-year-old Jamaican man has been arrested in Florida for scamming a Kentucky couple out of $83,000 through a fake lottery scheme, where victims were told they had won a $250 million Mega Millions jackpot and were instructed to deposit money to claim their winnings. The suspect, Deroney Facey, admitted to targeting multiple victims across the United States and faces four felony charges including organized crime and securities fraud. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited lottery notifications and remember that legitimate lotteries never require upfront payments to claim winnings—if you receive such a solicitation, report it to authorities immediately.

Microsoft disrupted RedVDS, a criminal subscription service that cost as little as $24 per month but caused over $40 million in losses to US victims alone since March 2025, affecting nearly 190,000 organizations worldwide—including a pharmaceutical company that lost $7.3 million and a Florida homeowners association that lost $500,000. The platform provided cybercriminals with virtual computers and infrastructure to launch phishing attacks and business email compromise scams, often enhanced with AI tools to identify targets and create convincing fake emails. To protect yourself, remain vigilant about verifying wire transfer requests through independent contact methods, be suspicious of phishing emails asking for sensitive information, and enable multi-factor authentication on business accounts.

Two Florida residents have been indicted for stealing over $200,000 from a 75-year-old Georgia woman through a phone spoofing scam that impersonated her bank and tricked her into revealing a security code. The suspects, who operated remotely from Miami, used fake Bank of America messages to gain access to her account and made numerous withdrawals, though investigators recovered about half the stolen funds. To protect yourself, never provide security codes or personal information to unsolicited callers or messages—legitimate banks will never ask for these codes—and be suspicious of any unexpected contact about account fraud.

AARP Florida has outlined its 2026 legislative priorities aimed at protecting the state's 2.7 million seniors, focusing on affordable housing, improved nursing home standards, expanded consumer protections against fraud and scams, and better access to healthcare services. The organization is pushing lawmakers to strengthen law enforcement efforts and increase public education about scams targeting seniors, while also improving support for family caregivers and expanding telehealth access. Seniors and their families should stay vigilant against exploitation schemes and take advantage of available educational resources about common scams targeting older adults.

—it's about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointing and reappointing five members to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, which oversees gambling regulation in the state. The appointees include Julie Brown (elevated to Chair), Peter Cuderman, and William Spicola as new members, with John Michael D'Aquila and Tina Repp returning to the board. All five appointees bring relevant experience in government, law, finance, and investigation to oversee Florida's gaming industry.

Florida launched Operation Senior Shield in 2025 to combat a growing epidemic of scams targeting the state's large senior population, who collectively hold significant wealth and are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated fraud schemes costing thousands of dollars daily. The initiative brings together law enforcement, cyber experts, government agencies, and community leaders to share intelligence and raise awareness about fraud targeting older adults. Seniors and their families can protect themselves by staying informed about evolving scam tactics and signing up for resources at opseniorshieldfl.com.

A 79-year-old former Tallahassee man was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to repay over $1 million for operating a fake computer tech support scam that targeted more than 300 elderly victims nationwide, convincing them their computers were infected with viruses and pressuring them to pay up to $150,000 in bogus repair fees. The perpetrator, John Kuhlmann, funneled approximately $3.5 million in stolen funds through two unlicensed Florida companies to overseas accomplices between 2018 and his conviction. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unsolicited pop-up warnings or calls about computer problems, never pay upfront for tech support from unsolicited contacts, and verify any technical support claims by calling your device manufacturer directly using a number you find independently.

Scammers are targeting seniors in Florida with a new gold-related scheme where victims receive fake notifications claiming their bank funds are unsafe and must be transferred to a federal institution, leading them to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars to buy gold for "security." Susan Lancaster, a Largo woman, lost nearly all her savings across two separate scams after unknowingly giving scammers access to her computer, and she's now refinancing her home to survive. Police warn that once money is sent to scammers, it's nearly impossible to recover, and advise residents to verify any unexpected financial notifications directly with their bank before taking action.

# Cryptocurrency Scam Summary Cryptocurrency scams have cost Americans $333 million in 2025, with scammers impersonating banks and government agencies to trick victims into transferring money to crypto wallets and ATMs. In one case caught on body camera, Sunrise, Florida police stopped an 80-year-old man from depositing thousands into a crypto ATM after his son noticed suspicious withdrawals and alerted authorities. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks or agencies urging you to move money urgently, verify requests directly with your financial institution using a known phone number, and never transfer funds to cryptocurrency wallets based on these calls.

A 79-year-old Florida man was sentenced to pay over $1 million in restitution for running a fake tech support scam that defrauded more than 300 elderly victims out of approximately $3.5 million. The scheme operated through two fraudulent companies that posed as computer support services, convincing vulnerable seniors their computers were infected or hacked and pressuring them to pay up to $150,000 for fake repairs before wiring the money to international co-conspirators. Authorities urge residents, especially seniors, to be cautious of unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups claiming computer problems, and to verify support requests through official channels before providing payment or access to their devices.

Operation Senior Shield, Florida's elder alert system, is warning seniors about sweepstakes scams where fraudsters claim victims have won prizes but request upfront fees or personal information to claim them. Red flags include requests for money upfront, prizes that seem too good to be true, and pressure to act immediately. To protect yourself, never send money or share personal details for prize claims, verify contests independently before responding, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

Scammers are targeting seniors in Florida with a new gold-related scheme where victims are told their bank funds are unsafe and must be transferred to a "federal banking institution" by purchasing gold, resulting in significant financial losses. One Largo woman lost nearly all her savings across two separate scams after allowing scammers remote access to her computer, forcing her to refinance her home to survive. Police advise that once money is lost to scams, it's extremely difficult to recover, and seniors should never grant remote computer access to unknown contacts or respond to unexpected financial warnings.

A Florida couple was arrested for allegedly running a multi-state credit card fraud scheme that targeted at least 14 victims in South Jersey, stealing over $20,000 between November and December. The suspects impersonated bank security personnel and spent hours on the phone confusing victims into revealing their debit card information, then used rented vehicles to purchase gift cards and electronics with the stolen credentials. Police advise residents to carefully review their bank statements and be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from their bank—legitimate banks will never ask you to provide sensitive information like PINs or full card numbers over the phone.

An 82-year-old Florida grandmother lost nearly $200,000 in a Facebook scam involving AI-generated impersonation of a well-known autism doctor who convinced her to invest in stocks, money she had been saving for her autistic grandson's future care. The woman, Maurine Meleck, fell victim after the scammer used deepfake technology to replicate the doctor's voice and appearance, exploiting her isolation and lack of local support to verify the scheme. To protect yourself: verify investment opportunities independently with trusted family or financial advisors before committing money, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers online, and remember that legitimate professionals won't pressure you into quick financial decisions on social media.

An 82-year-old Florida grandmother lost her entire $200,000 life savings intended for her autistic grandson after being deceived by a deepfake video—an AI-generated impersonation of a trusted doctor—that led her to an investment scam. The FBI reports that fraud cases have surged dramatically, with over 4.2 million reports since 2020 totaling $50.5 billion in losses, as artificial intelligence makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish real content from fake. To protect yourself, experts recommend scrutinizing videos for signs of manipulation like unnatural blinking or mismatched lip movements, and always verify financial requests through independent contact with trusted sources rather than relying on online videos or messages.

A Cocoa Beach man was arrested for stealing and cashing over $33,000 in forged checks from an elderly victim over several months. Elias Staker faces 38 felony counts and is being held without bond. Seniors should monitor their bank accounts regularly, keep checks secure, and consider setting up fraud alerts with their banks to prevent similar theft.

A Cocoa Beach man was arrested for stealing and cashing over $33,000 in forged checks from an elderly victim, facing 38 felony counts. Authorities conducted a months-long investigation before apprehending Elias Staker, who is currently held without bond in Brevard County Jail. Seniors should safeguard their checkbooks, monitor bank statements regularly, and report any suspicious account activity immediately to prevent becoming victims of similar fraud schemes.

Florida authorities seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national involved in an internet investment scam that defrauded a Citrus County resident of $47,421. The case, investigated by the state's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, resulted in charges of money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud scheme against Tu Weizhi. To protect yourself, report suspected investment scams immediately to local law enforcement, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities online, and remember that legitimate investments never pressure you or guarantee unrealistic returns.

The Lee County Legal Aid Society is offering free legal assistance to seniors (age 50+) on January 14 at Fort Myers Beach Public Library to help with civil issues including contractor fraud, insurance disputes, and other post-hurricane legal problems that have lingered from previous storms. The clinic will feature attorney presentations and individual 20-minute consultations covering topics like insurance claims, elder law, and small claims court, with registration recommended via email though walk-ins are welcome. Seniors facing legal challenges—especially those dealing with contractor fraud or insurance disputes—should attend to get expert advice at no cost and bring any relevant documents to their appointment.

Police in Monroe County, Florida are alerting residents to a rise in holiday scams, including fraudsters impersonating First Horizon Bank and Florida Highway Patrol officials to trick people into providing personal information or making payments. The scams typically involve unsolicited text messages or calls claiming false debts or license suspension threats, with perpetrators asking victims to pay via gift cards or Bitcoin or to share passwords. Residents are advised to hang up on suspicious callers and contact financial institutions or government agencies directly using official numbers rather than information provided by the caller.

# Fraud Epidemic Summary Scam artists stole an estimated $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024, with seniors losing over $4.8 billion alone, prompting U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Kirsten Gillibrand to introduce bipartisan legislation called the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to coordinate federal anti-fraud efforts before holiday scams peak. The bill aims to unify the currently fragmented federal response to increasingly sophisticated schemes, including AI-driven scams targeting older Americans. Consumers should remain vigilant during the holiday season, verify requests from financial institutions directly, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Fraud Hotline to help authorities combat these growing criminal operations.

Florida has launched Operation Senior Shield, a statewide initiative to protect older adults from scams and financial exploitation, which has been increasingly targeting seniors in the state. The program offers free scam alerts, enhanced law enforcement coordination, and tools to help seniors, caregivers, and families stay informed and secure. Residents can sign up for alerts at opseniorshieldfl.com and are encouraged to talk with seniors about suspicious emails and calls, review them together, and share alerts with family and community members.

Florida officials have launched Operation Senior Shield, a free alert system designed to help seniors and caregivers identify and prevent scams through phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups. The initiative comes as Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud complaints, with seniors losing an average of $32,000 per victim and totaling about $300 million statewide in 2023. Anyone concerned about scam targeting can sign up for Operation Senior Shield to receive alerts and educational resources that help seniors recognize fraudulent schemes before they result in financial loss.

Online romance scams are surging across the U.S., with over 59,000 Americans losing a combined $697.3 million to fake romantic partners, and Florida ranking as the 8th most affected state with victims averaging losses of $25,707 each. Senior citizens aged 70-79 are particularly vulnerable, with 68% experiencing financial losses and a median loss of $10,000, though people of all ages—from young adults to those over 80—are being targeted. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly profess love or ask for money, verify profiles independently, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or dating app platforms.

Two men from Florida and Virginia have been indicted for allegedly running a $26 million elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors across Pennsylvania and the U.S. from January 2024 through August 2025, using deceptive emails to trick victims into sending cash to couriers or Bitcoin ATMs, then laundering the money through fake businesses and bank accounts. The suspects, Amit Kumar Jain and Trevaughn Yearwood, face serious federal charges with potential prison sentences of up to 40 and 20 years respectively. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited emails requesting urgent money transfers, verify requests through official channels before sending funds, and never use cryptocurrency ATMs for financial transactions requested by unknown parties.

A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be in Australia; the scammers, traced to Nigeria, convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy and loss of his home. The victim, a retired firefighter and police officer, is now advocating for other seniors to recognize warning signs, noting that Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime.

A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated persona named "Bonnie" that originated from Nigeria; the scammer convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy with his home at risk. Cruz, a retired firefighter and police officer, attributed his vulnerability to loneliness after losing all his family members, and now advocates warning other seniors to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime and a 40% increase in reports over the past five