TALLAHASSEE - Fulfilling his campaign pledge, Attorney General Charlie Crist today unveiled a toll-free hotline for Floridians who are the victims of fraud.

"Starting today, citizens can dial 1-866-9-NO-SCAM, (1-866-966-7226) and be connected to caring advocates who are trained to help victims of any type of fraud get the assistance they need," Crist said.

Crist pledged during his campaign that "on Day One," he would establish a toll free hotline to fight fraud and corporate scams. By making this hot line available, that promise has been kept.

"Through this statewide toll-free number, I am confident that we will be able to minimize the devastating effect consumer fraud can have on our citizens, especially the elderly," Crist said.

Trained personnel will staff the telephone hotline and collect information from citizens, not only on fraud such as identify theft, but also reports of suspected Medicaid fraud.

A fraud investigator or consumer advocate will then contact the caller and assist them with proper steps to be taken to resolve their problem.

The new attorney general said an active campaign of consumer education to prevent Florida citizens from falling victim to fraud would be instituted to work in conjunction with the hotline.

"I would like every citizen of this state to write the number 1-866-9-NO-SCAM down and keep it close to their telephone," Crist said. "Maybe if scam artists know that we are watching, then they will be less likely to target our residents."