Florida has experienced back-to-back active hurricane seasons and the streak could continue. We cannot stop a natural disaster, but we can prepare for them. There is no time like the present to begin this process—especially since today marks the beginning of the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
The tax holiday lasts through June 6. Floridians should take advantage of the tax breaks now to save on storm-related items such as batteries, flashlights, radios, tie-down kits and more.
For more information on the sales tax holiday, click here.
Starting tomorrow, I will launch a week-long Twitter campaign to encourage Floridians to prepare and learn how to spot and avoid storm-related scams. You can follow the campaign online at Twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody.
You can also begin researching disaster-related safety tips and preparedness checklists right now in our newly-released guide by clicking, here.
I cannot urge you enough to prepare now. Know the best evacuation routes and gather nonperishable food and water. Stay safe out there, and we will all weather the storm together.
In The News
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Warns Of Revamped Phone Scam, CBS Miami
Scammers using spoofing tactics to steal Social Security numbers, WJXT
Consumers who paid to lower their credit card interest rate are getting refunds, Consumer Affairs
Drivers have until July 7 to get refund from rental car toll fees, WTVT
School's out for summer! Attorney general gives safety tips to students, parents, WFTV
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Encourages Students to Enjoy a Safe Summer Break
Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging Florida students and parents to take steps to ensure a safe summer break. Millions of Florida public school students start the longest school break of the year this week, providing opportunities for fun, family and relaxation, but also increasing the potential that students encounter dangerous situations.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “From synthetic drugs to online predators, the risks children face today are startling. As summer break begins, please speak to your children about the dangers of talking to strangers online and in public. Review apps, online games and social media accounts your child uses. Talk frequently to them about how using drugs, even once, can lead to a lifetime of addiction, incarceration or even death. Most importantly, be sure to regularly engage your child proactively by asking questions and listening. Encourage them to stay alert and away from situations that might put them at risk.” Read More
CONSUMER ALERT: Imposter Scammers Use Spoofing to Steal SSNs
Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert about a new twist on an old scam. Impersonating the Internal Revenue Service is a longstanding tactic used by scammers trying to coerce people to send money or provide sensitive financial information. Now, scammers are using robocalls and spoofing to impersonate the Social Security Administration to trick people into giving up Social Security numbers. The Federal Trade Commission reports a rise in the number of SSA imposter scams while IRS imposter scam reports are on the decline.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Scammers are using technology and tricks to steal your Social Security number. Never provide your SSN in response to a solicitation and don’t trust your caller ID. If you receive one of these calls, hang up the phone immediately and call my office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Announces Claims Process for Price Gouged Consumers
Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging consumers that fell victim to price gouging by a Days Inn in Wildwood during Hurricane Irma to submit claims for restitution. As a result of the Attorney General’s action against the hotel, Wildwood Hotel Group, LLC d/b/a Days Inn Wildwood I-75, already issued restitution checks to consumers totaling $17,692. In addition, the Attorney General’s Office set up a claims process to provide refunds to other affected consumers with $15,000 in funds available. The deadline to submit a claim is Dec. 31, 2019.Attorney General Ashley Moody
said, “Let this be a warning to any future price gougers. We take price gouging seriously. While price gouging violations often take time to investigate, we are committed to holding wrongdoers accountable. Taking advantage of fellow Floridians during a declared state of emergency is shameful, and I am glad that we are able to give eligible consumers affected by this hotel’s poor conduct the opportunity to receive restitution. If you were harmed by these illegal practices, please take advantage of this process and submit a claim to our office.”
Read More
Reminder: Refunds Still Available for Drivers Improperly Charged Toll and Car Rental Fees
Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging rental car customers improperly charged toll and PlatePass fees to file a refund claim before the July deadline. The claims process stems from a court enforceable settlement agreement between Attorney General Moody’s Office and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. Consumers can apply for a refund of toll and PlatePass fees charged by the Dollar or Thrifty car rental companies for rentals occurring in Florida.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Floridians and visitors alike are eligible for refunds, but they must file a claim before the fast approaching deadline to qualify. I am encouraging any rental car customer who believes they were improperly charged toll and PlatePass fees in Florida to please fill out the claims form and submit it before the July 7 deadline.” Read More
Events
This week, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet held a ceremonial cabinet meeting in Israel as part of the governor’s business development mission. To watch the full meeting, click here.
Attorney General Moody, Governor DeSantis, Florida Cabinet and delegation members at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation at the desk of late Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Peres won the Nobel Peace Prize and encouraged transformational technology, such as desalination to end conflicts over water.
Attorney General Moody joining Governor DeSantis, Israeli State Police and school officials in a round table discussion about school safety. Israeli schools are some of the most secure learning facilities in the world, and Attorney General Moody is grateful for the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Israeli officials in charge of keeping their students safe.
Attorney General Moody meeting with United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman in Tel Aviv.
Attorney General Moody walking the halls of the Israeli Supreme Court and visiting an Israeli courtroom. Israeli courtroom tables are shaped like circles based on a Psalm about a circle of quiet while justice is on the way.
Attorney General Moody with former Israeli Supreme Court President Miriam Naor. Naor became a judge at 32 before rising to lead the highest court in her country.
On Memorial Day, Attorney General Moody visited the Holocaust Memorial in Tel Aviv to remember the heroes who gave their lives during World War II to save so many.
Attorney General Moody pledging to remember the tragedies of the Holocaust by signing the book outside the Yad Vashem Children's Memorial.
Attorney General Moody participating in a tree planting ceremony with Governor DeSantis at the John F. Kennedy Peace Forest in Israel.
Attorney General Moody on the campus of Ariel University with Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Florida Atlantic University board member Dr. Jeffery Feingold and the Florida delegation for a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between the institutions.
Attorney General Moody with Israeli Consul General for Florida Lior Haiat in Tel Aviv at a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Miami Dade College and Haifa University.
Next month, Attorney General Moody will host a Senior Scam Stopper Workshop in The Villages. All seniors are encouraged to attend this free event that will provide information about spotting scams and preventing fraud targeting older Floridians. For more information, click here.
Leading up to this workshop, the Attorney General is promoting a Super Senior Sleuth weekly. At the workshop, one of these Super Sleuths will receive an Advocate of the Year Award for their outstanding work in protecting seniors.
Our Super Senior Sleuth for this week is Chuck, who fights senior fraud out of the Fernandina Beach office. Congrats, Chuck! To learn more about Chuck, click here.
