The 2020 Census is underway, and this week, we issued a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians that scammers may try to exploit this mandatory count to steal personal information.
The U.S. Census serves a critical role in the function of our representative government, and participation is mandatory. But don’t let this compulsory count lessen your resolve to protect personal information or your safety.
To avoid Census scams—remember that the Census Bureau does not send unsolicited emails requesting personal information. The Bureau will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account information or credit card accounts. They also will never request any monetary payments, donations or gift cards.
If a canvasser shows up at your door, check their photo ID badge and make sure it has a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark plus expiration date. If you are still suspicious, call the Bureau at 1(800) 923-8282 to confirm the visit and the canvasser’s badge number.
The Bureau will begin sending out participation invitations in mid-March, and the best way to avoid a census scam is to respond quickly—that way you are less susceptible to scammers claiming you are delinquent.
If you do encounter a scam, please report it to the Census Bureau, and remember, by remaining vigilant and taking steps to guard against scams, you can help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
How to report scams related to the U.S. Census, WJXT Jacksonville
Florida Attorney General Warns Of Scams During U-S Census, 1290 WJNO News Radio
Attorney General Ashley Moody Warns Floridians of Scams Related to U.S. Census, Space Coast Daily
Florida Attorney General warns of ‘one of scariest scams’, WJXT Jacksonville
Ashley Moody Warns Floridians About Census Scams, Florida Daily
Attorney General Moody Surprises Tallahassee Police Officers, WWSB
Clay county caregiver arrested for grand theft, Action News Jax
Just moved to Tampa Bay? Here's what you need to know about filing your taxes., WTSP Tampa
Protecting Floridians
Clay County Caregiver Arrested for Grand Theft
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrested a caregiver for grand theft. Valerie Louise Todd allegedly submitted fraudulent service logs to her employer for services not rendered involving a disabled adult client. While employed at Superior Senior & Disabled Care, LLC d/b/a Comfort Keepers, Todd received payments by the company and the Medicaid program for services not provided. Superior Senior & Disabled Care provides home care services for elderly and disabled adults.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This behavior is unacceptable, and my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will not tolerate deceitful actions that hurt the integrity of the Medicaid program and cause mistrust of home care providers that take care of some of our most vulnerable Floridians.” Read More
CONSUMER ALERT: New Voice-Cloning Technology Could Lead to New Phone Scams
Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a Consumer Alert to make Floridians aware of an innovative phone scam using new technology. Voice cloning technology enables users to make near-perfect reproductions of real people’s voices. There are several promising uses for this technology. However, according to the Federal Trade Commission, the technology can also be used by scammers to extort money, and the Wall Street Journal reported the technology was used last year to steal more than $200,000 from a U.K.-based energy firm.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Imagine receiving a call. The voice on the other end of the phone is familiar and is begging for help. Sadly, today, you may not always be able to trust what you hear. We all want to be there for those we love and care about, but with the emergence of new voice cloning technology, Floridians must be more vigilant than ever in watching for imposters and fraud before sharing financial or personal information. This is one of the scariest scams I have heard about since becoming Attorney General and I want to make sure consumers are aware of the ways technology can be used to exploit their good intentions.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody visited the Tallahassee Police Department to surprise officers with breakfast as part of Random Acts of Kindness Day. Even though Random Acts of Kindness Day is over, Attorney General Moody still encourages Floridians to do something nice for those who protect their communities.
Attorney General Moody welcoming University of Florida leaders to Tallahassee for Gator Day at the Capitol. Attorney General Moody earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, as well as a law degree, at UF.
Attorney General Moody with Florida Gators head football coach Dan Mullen—Go Gators!
Attorney General Moody with University of Florida President Kent Fuchs. President Fuchs has served as UF’s President since 2015.
Attorney General Moody with Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza in her Florida Capitol office.
Attorney General Moody speaking to Florida state attorneys in her Capitol office, thanking them for fighting crime and building a Stronger, Safer Florida.
Attorney General Moody speaking to leaders of the Florida Tax Collectors Association in Tallahassee about her 2020 legislative priorities.
Attorney General Moody speaking to the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Tampa Class of 2020.
Attorney General Moody with statewide leaders of the Boys and Girls Club of America in her Florida Capitol office. Attorney General Moody discussed efforts to fight the opioid epidemic and the dangers of youth vaping.
Attorney General Moody with Florida Professional Firefighters President Wayne Bernoska. Attorney General Moody is grateful of the work firefighters and first responders do daily to save the lives of Floridians.
Attorney General Moody meeting with University of South Florida students involved in the Tallahassee Internship Program during Legislative session.
