Week In Review

This week, another round of direct stimulus payments from the Internal Revenue Service headed to eligible Floridians’ bank accounts and mailboxes as part of a massive COVID-19 relief bill. Ahead of the direct payments, I issued a Consumer Alert about a possible resurgence of stimulus payment…

This week, we were heartbroken to learn of the passing of another law enforcement hero, Tampa Police Department Officer Jesse Madsen. Already this year, Florida has lost eight brave law enforcement officers, compared to two during the same time period last year, and I am urging Floridians to…

This week is National Consumer Protection Week, a time to highlight our successes in fighting consumer fraud and provide resources to help Floridians avoid scams. COVID-19 has changed so much about our daily routines and provided more ways for scammers to target Floridians. As scams evolve, so…

This week, we announced a near-doubling of award money for anonymous tips on murder cases that lead to an arrest. This increase will take the maximum allowable award amount for actionable tips from $5,000 to $9,500. While Florida has enjoyed decades of declining crime rates statewide, some…

This week, in honor of Black History Month, let’s take a moment to remember three women who made a lasting impact on our state and nation. These trailblazing women are members of the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame—a signature project of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women—which is housed…

This weekend is Valentine’s Day, a time to spend quality time with your loved ones. However, if you are searching for companionship, make sure you are not being played by a scammer, especially when making a connection online. Romance scams prey on an individual’s desire for companionship and…

Super Bowl LV has finally arrived! It is an exciting time and Florida is honored to host the National Football League’s championship game for the second straight year. Thousands of fans are here in our state to watch and participate in the festivities surrounding this global event. While…

This week, we recognized 2021 Data Privacy Day, a good time to review online security and take steps to better protect your data. Hackers and scammers want to take advantage of the fact that COVID-19 has forced millions of people to work remotely, often from less secure wireless connections.…

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and this week we are continuing our efforts to end human trafficking in our great state. We would all like to believe that human trafficking only takes place in far-away locations, but unfortunately, it happens all around us. And major…

Encouraging and highlighting positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve is a mission close to my heart. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I know the dangers these brave men and women can face. When these officers leave for work, they never know what…

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the daily routines of millions of Americans, including how human traffickers operate their criminal enterprises. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, crisis cases increased nationwide by…

As the proud wife of a law enforcement officer, I understand the incredible responsibility and sacrifice it takes for the brave men and women who uphold the oath to protect and serve. In many cases, officers need to think and respond within a moment’s notice, putting their lives in harm’s way to…

This week, I issued a Consumer Alert warning Floridians about COVID-19 vaccine product and distribution scams. With news that thousands of doses of coronavirus vaccines will be heading to Florida soon and consumers anxious to achieve immunity, scammers may exploit the situation to rip-off…

Floridians have dealt with many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are struggling financially. That is why I am glad to announce that our Consumer Protection Division has recovered more than $2 million for consumers! These efforts would not be possible without the help of the many…

As long as COVID-19 remains a threat, scammers will attempt every trick in the book to exploit taxpayers and coerce them into disclosing personal information. Now, there is another emerging COVID-19 text scam that deceives recipients into disclosing personal banking information in order to…

Military service members and veterans have put their lives on the line to defend our country with courage and valor. As we observe National Veterans and Military Families Month, I encourage all Floridians to take the time to thank and honor our service members and veterans, as well as their…

With the holiday season fast-approaching, I want Florida consumers to start off the holiday season on the right foot and make sure they know what to look for to protect themselves from anyone who might try to swindle, steal or scam. So, we are adding to our Scams at a Glance program with a ‘Tis…

Tomorrow is Halloween, and with COVID-19 making 2020 a scary year, Halloween may look different than in previous years. Children may not understand why, and some will be upset in areas where they may not be able to participate with their friends like normal. However, if trick-or-treating is in…

This Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and ahead of this important event, I joined U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Timothy Shea in an effort to encourage Floridians to participate—and help us end the national opioid crisis. Drug Take Back Days are a great…

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this week, we called on Floridians to help break the silence about this often-taboo issue. It is so important that victims of domestic violence know that help is still available as we all work together to stop the spread of COVID-19.…