As the temperatures climb and those vacation plans really start heating up, there’s another kind of activity on the rise, and it’s not the good kind. We’re talking about scammers. According to a new report from Forbes, criminals raked in a staggering one-point-seven billion dollars last year.

The Department of Justice recently announced that two men from Florida are under investigation for allegedly stealing over $100 million from a nonprofit that served people with special needs and disabilities to live a lifestyle including lavish homes, traveling by private jet, and even funding a brewery.

Financial losses from elder fraud schemes skyrocketed by43% in 2024, with Americans over 60 losing nearly $5 billion to scammers, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Personal data can be big business for hackers and scammers, leading to an ever-growing number of threats to be aware of.

More than a third of Americans are planning to take a vacation. As the prices of hotels and flights surge during this time, scammers are hoping to take advantage of travelers’ desperation for a cheap deal.

A recent report found that more than 28% of Americans are searching for new jobs, and 70% of people who are currently employed are considering a new job in 2025.

A Jacksonville man is warning others about online investment scams after losing nearly $60,000 of his savings and pension.

Scammers keep up with the times and with a lot of job cuts in the headlines consumer advocates say job hunters need to protect themselves.

A new survey by McAfee reveals that Gen Z, despite being tech-savvy, is the most targeted group for AI-driven tax scams, with scammers using fake IRS communications to steal personal information.

Spam calls are not only annoying but also costly, with unsuspecting consumers losing billions of dollars to fraud every year. So how can you prevent it from happening to you or a loved one? Consumer Reports has some new advice to stop those annoying robocalls.

Several people say they were recently scammed into purchasing a three-day Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas.

Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to generosity, as people worldwide contribute to causes they care about. However, it’s also a prime opportunity for scammers to take advantage of charitable intentions.

Seventy-five percent of Americans fell victim to holiday scams last year, with online shopping and non-delivery scams accounting for a significant portion of the over $281 million lost, or should we say stolen.

Property fraud, also known as deed fraud or home title theft, is being called the fastest-growing white-collar crime by the FBI. Scammers can hijack a property title, often going undetected unless homeowners actively monitor official records.

AI-driven scams and deepfake technology are more enhanced than ever this holiday season.

Attorney General Moody released the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide for Floridians which contains information about scammers, shopping schemes, and cyber scams.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect time to learn how to protect yourself from scams.

Catfishing, which happens when a person pretends to be someone else online, is a popular scamming method, and now, AI is making this type of fake impersonation easier than ever.

The federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits.

The Florida Sheriff’s Association recently warned the public of a new online scam that threatens email users with releasing their search history if they don’t pay a large amount of money.

Most people can probably agree that there are few things more frustrating than airline delays or cancellations that leave you stranded at the airport.

The U.S. Secret Service teamed up with local law enforcement to sweep 120 businesses across Jacksonville as part of a state-wide outreach operation to take action against rampant card skimming.

If you meet someone on social media or a dating website or app, how can you tell if their profile is real? They say they’re in the military — but scammers especially like to pose as military servicemembers stationed overseas.

Social media feeds are flooded with ads offering steep discounts on brand-name products, including luxury items. But are these offers real or a scam?

Remember to ignore “Hi how are you” text messages from strangers.

A new law in Florida is designed to protect older folks from the growing number of scams out there.

New data from the cybersecurity company McAfee predicted one in four people will fall victim to travel scams this summer.

If someone trusts you enough to admit to you that they've been scammed, especially if the scammer is still in touch with them, the FTC has some advice to help guide you.

If you get a text about an overdue toll charge, do NOT click any links in it. It’s probably a scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Moving is always a stressful project. Throw in the threat of a moving scam, and things get even worse, the Better Business Bureau says.

Card skimming has evolved. You’re not only at risk at the gas station anymore. Card skimmers were found locally at grocery stores, ATMS, marinas, and convenience stores.

While legitimate sellers use modern technologies to simplify the car-buying process, fraudsters use similar technology to carry out elaborate impostor scams.

A new study ranked Florida as one of the most dangerous states for online dating.

As residents deal with the aftermath of a suspected tornado that touched down near two St. Johns County subdivisions Thursday shortly before noon, officials want to warn residents of contractor scams.

If a new employer mails your first paycheck before you even start working, that’s your cue to stop -- it’s a scam.

If you are looking for a new place to rent, the Federal Trade Commission warns you need to watch for rental scams.

Scammers are impersonating well-known companies and scaring you into paying to fix computer problems that might not exist, the Federal Trade Commission warns.

When you’re planning a trip, you might be tempted to jump on an offer for a great deal. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes hide behind those offers.

More than 94 million Americans will use their phones to scan a QR code this year. However, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a new warning about these handy codes.

Linked in reports 50 percent of workers will actively look for a new job this year and most of those people will search online to find one. But beware, job scams are a growing problem. According to the Better Business Bureau, about 14 million people are exposed to an employment scam each year. Now, scammers are finding new ways to get people on board.

With college admissions and scholarships on the line, paying for tutors and test prep materials may be worth the price. But watch out for con artists eager to take advantage of this.

Valentine’s Day is coming up and that means many people will be searching for that special someone to spend the holiday with. Millions of Americans use online dating apps or social networking sites to meet others. But before you click, type, or swipe, you should know about romance scams.

The FBI Atlanta Division is warning the community about a telephone scam related to jury duty that is targeting not only Georgians but people across the nation.

The Duval County Clerk of Courts is clearing up any confusion the public may have about what can happen if someone misses jury duty.

An uptick in scams related to jury duty is prompting an alert from the 4th Judicial Circuit and the Duval County Clerk of Court.

The Federal Trade Commission has a scam warning specifically for military veterans.

Scammers follow the seasons -- and that means with New Year's resolutions revving up, there are likely to be some fake "new year, new you" promotions, the Federal Trade Commission warns.

Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal personal information. Here’s what the Federal Trade Commission wants you to know.

As many people grab those last-minute gift cards, the FBI is warning that gift card scams are rising at an alarming rate.

Scammers are impersonating real companies in ads on Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms. So, how do you navigate past the fakes without passing up the real bargains?

The Florida Attorney General's 2023 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide gives advice to avoid schemes used by thieves during the hustle and bustle of the season.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is warning the community about a new scam where families of inmates are being contacted by people pretending to be bail bondsmen.

In a recent Better Business Bureau report, younger people between the ages of 18 to 24 years old are now reported to lose more money in scams than older age groups.

The three national credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — have permanently extended a program that lets you check your credit report at each of the agencies once a week for free.

The most important thing to know is this: the best source of information on your federal student loans is Federal Student Aid.

Scams and reported bad business practices can play out differently in different communities. So, what do scams and bad business practices look like in the Latino community?

Apps like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle make it easy to send money fast to friends or family. But what happens when it’s a scammer on the other end?

Amazon isn't the only retailer rolling out deals for Prime Day, and scammers are ready to take advantage of all the excitement, the Better Business Bureau warns.

If you’re one of those who love to enter contests, you should know that some of those sweepstakes are not what they seem.

Did you hear about the Supreme Court decision on student loan debt relief? So did scammers, the Federal Trade Commission warns.

The Federal Trade Commission is issuing a new warning saying bank impersonation is among the top of the list when it comes to text message scams.

According to data from the FTC, people in their 20s reported losing money to fraud at a higher rate than people in their 70s.

Scammers have a new target, and this time it’s homeowners. They could have you thinking your mortgage provider wants to get in touch with you.

Most unexpected emails saying to act quickly, click a link, or call a number are phishing scams.

With time running out to do your shopping for mom for Mother’s Day, a lot of people are shopping online, and there are some things you want to do to make sure you don’t fall victim to scammers and lose your hard-earned cash.

The Federal Trade Commission is issuing a new warning about prize scams. Everyone loves to win, but if you get a notification that you’ve won a prize for a contest you’ve never entered, it’s probably a scam.

The Better Business Bureau is warning people — before you buy, check the gift card in the store.

A new report from the Better Business Bureau shows that the top scams of the year mostly target people online.

With the holiday shopping season gearing up, Florida Chief Financial Officer is warning people to watch out for potential scams surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The Clerks of Court for Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties want the residents they serve to take advantage of free property fraud alert services offered by each of their offices.

As residents all over Florida begin the process of recovery after disasters like Hurricane Ian, Florida officials are warning them of potential scammers trying to take advantage of their situations.

Cybersecurity expert Chris Hamer recommends everyone have a particular mindset in place to avoid falling victim to get-rich-quick schemes online.

The Better Business Bureau is warning sports fans to be aware of sports streaming scams.

Scammers may offer to give you a check for more than the selling price. They tell you to deposit the check and send the difference back to them.

With the real estate market the way it is, it’s not surprising scammers are trying to take advantage of buyers and renters who are just looking for a place to live. And sometimes of unsuspecting property owners.

According to reports from the BBB, people are seeing real events on sites like Facebook, but once they buy the ticket, the page disappears, and their money is gone.

According to the FTC’s new data spotlight, scammers are banking on what you don’t know about cryptocurrency — or scammers’ tricks. And that could cost you serious money.

It is Financial Literacy Month, and we are helping you learn to earn, manage and save your money.

The Better Business Bureau is warning fans to be careful after seeing a spike in sports betting scams on social media.

The FTC reports that people lose more money on romance scams than any other type of fraud. In 2020, romance scams reached $304 million in reported losses.

JEA is warning customers to be on the alert for scammers who are preying on customers during the holiday season.

Scammers are ready to pounce now that the holidays are here. You may think you won’t fall prey — but crooks can be sneaky — and if they get to you, it will hit you where it hurts the most: your wallet.

Whether it's cash, person info or hacking, there are ways you can fight back if you've been the target of scammers.

If you’re a parent who hasn’t opted out of the federal Child Tax Credit program, chances are you have monthly payments coming to you over the next few months.

When money from the government is in the news, we know scammers are about to run their standard playbook -- calling, emailing, texting or DMing you offering to "help" get your payments.

No matter what anyone tells you, you can’t buy COVID-19 vaccines online and there’s no out-of-pocket cost to get the shots.

Did you get a bill for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, but you didn’t apply for one? It’s possible that an identity thief applied for the loan using your personal or business information. The SBA has new guidance about reporting the fraud, and the FTC has tips to help you clear up any credit problems it may cause. The SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance has been issuing the loans under its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Keep these invoices until the SBA has finished reviewing your identity theft report.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Scammers are at it again, and JEA wants customers to be alert and aware. Never purchase a prepaid card or respond via a mobile payment app, (Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc. JEA, along with approximately 100 other U.S. and Canadian member utilities and associations, participates in Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS). The organization receives recognition for its efforts to stop scams that target electric, water and natural gas company customers. To date, thousands of toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers have been shut down.

The Federal Trade Commission just heard from more companies that scammers are using their names to trick people into a car wrap scam. This time, scammers are saying they’re Marlboro or Purell (but they’re not really). Then they’ll say to use some of that money to pay their “decal agent” to put the ads on your car. So, if you deposited a $1,500 check and sent $500 to the “decal agent,” you’re out $500 of your own money. Another thing: an FTC analysis published earlier this year showed that fake check scams hit 20- and 30-year-olds hard in the wallet.

Scammers are targeting college students again, this time with a fake check scam. So how do you avoid a fake check scam? Never use money from a check to send gift cards, money orders, or wire money to someone. And, once you send the money or put it on a gift card and give someone the gift card PIN, it’s like giving them cash. The bottom line is, if someone sends you a check and tells you to send money by wire transfer or gift card — it’s a scam.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Scammers targeting parents and grandparents with phony calls about family member arrests are using COVID-19 concerns to strike more fear, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said. Moody warned in a Consumer Alert issued Tuesday that scammers are putting a new twist on the common scam. For years, she said, scammers have targeted parents and grandparents with phony calls claiming a family member is under arrest. Imposter phone calls are effective because spoofing technology allows scammers to change the information displayed on caller IDs to give the appearance that their calls are coming from a government entity. To avoid falling victim to an imposter scam:Do not automatically trust the number listed on the caller ID, especially with respect to unsolicited calls.

As if the coronavirus pandemic hasnt hit consumers hard enough, theres a huge spike in scams related to COVID-19. Consumer Reports says to watch out for these coronavirus scams. And then there are phishing scams from fake websites that may have coronavirus or covid19 in their domain names. You should be very vigilant about sharing personal information if you didnt initiate the contact. And when it comes to credit card fraud, CR says to sign up for push notifications and check your credit reports.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – To slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, state public health professionals are calling Floridians who may have come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. These “contact tracing” calls are an extremely vital tool in the state’s effort to contain the spread of the virus, Attorney General Ashley Moody said. “If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you will be asked by an epidemiologist from your county health department about everyone you’ve come in contact with over the last two weeks,” Moody explained. An authorized contact tracer will NEVER disclose the identity of the person who tested positiveThe Florida Department of Health has prepared a fact sheet about contact tracing. To report contact tracing scams or any other COVID-19 related fraud, contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Did you receive one of those text messages asking about your Costco receipt and offering a reimbursement? Don’t click the link. It’s a scam. “There is currently a text scam circulating that threatens to cancel the membership unless the user clicks on the link for a survey,” Costco says on its website. Do not click on the link as these are in no way affiliated with Costco.”Another version of the message people are receiving says that they are trying to get in touch about your Costco receipt and asks you to click a link to “claim your overcharge reimbursement.”Again, it’s a scam.

But, while you’re focused on getting a loan, scammers may be focused on you: hoping to trick you into giving them sensitive business information, like your bank account numbers, employees’ Social Security numbers, and even your money. Here are some “dos” and “don’ts” to help you stay clear of scammers as you apply for a small business loan. You don’t have to pay up front to get an SBA loan. The SBA won’t call unsolicited to find out information about you or your business, or to ask you to apply for a loan. It’s a The SBA won’t call unsolicited to find out information about you or your business, or to ask you to apply for a loan.

Scammers are using people to move stolen money without them knowing, and the victims can face up to 30 years in prison and up to a $1 million fine. It's happened with online dating, work at home jobs or even cash prizes. Don’t ever accept a job that asks you to transfer moneyNever send money to collect a prizeDon’t send money back to an online love interest who has sent you money. Criminals are good at making up reasons to get victims to move money. Some even going as far as to say their life is on the line if you don’t send the money for them.

Because they could actually be a foe using an innovative phone scam that Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody called “one of the scariest" she’s heard about. Voice cloning technology lets users make near-perfect reproductions of real people’s voices, even from only a five-second recording of the voice. Scammers can then use the clone to call victims pretending to be the target’s family member or friend asking for money in an emergency. For business owners, ensure a culture of security among employees where more than one person signs off on vendor payments. Report scams to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Only 5% of people were able to correctly identify all types of online security scams, according to a recent survey from Security.org. Nearly everyone -- 96% -- knew about phishing -- but just 5% could spot the various ways hackers could access their personal information. The Morning Show wants to help you spot the red flags. A scam that went out to more than a million Netflix subscribers had some red flags if you looked closely. If you think a scammer already has your information, like your Social Security number, credit card or bank account number, go to IdentityTheft.gov.

Moody’s office issued a Consumer Alert on Thursday to warn shoppers about common gift card scams that increase after the holidays. "Shoppers should be wary and take steps to avoid falling victim to gift card scams this holiday season.”A common gift card scam occurs when shoppers try to sell or exchange a gift card online. Simpler scams involve fake gift card exchange websites. These sites prompt users to enter gift card information in order to confirm the balance. These are just a few tips to help better protect shoppers from common gift card scams.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With tax season just around the corner, authorities are warning people to take steps to protect their personal and financial information so they can avoid falling victim to scams. On Tuesday, representatives from several agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, met downtown as part of National Tax Security Awareness Week to share some tips to arm the public against fraud and identity theft. “Ironically, I’ve gotten them on my IRS cell phone, so they’re indiscriminate as to who they go to.”The best way to protect yourself is to safeguard your personal data. That means changing passwords often and making sure they’re strong. Also, never enter your personal details on an unsecured website, and avoid clicking on any links you don’t recognize.