January 15, 2003
Media Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150
Public Responding To Fraud Hotline
ORLANDO - Attorney General Charlie Crist announced today during a press conference that Florida consumers are making use of the new toll-free fraud hotline that was unveiled last week.
"Since we opened the telephone lines last week, close to 700 calls have come in to 1-866-9-NO-SCAM, (1-866-966-7226) from citizens who have been victimized by fraud," Crist said.
Each caller is directed to trained professionals, who are able to get them the assistance they need, Crist said.
"I made a pledge that from Day One, consumers would have the ability to call this office toll-free and get help, and they are keeping the operators busy," he added.
As of January 14, 2003, 687 calls had been received on the hotline, with each one receiving individual attention, the attorney general said. The calls have included persons victimized by identity fraud, one of the fastest growing and possibly one of the most emotionally and financially devastating crimes.
"Our trained personnel, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, are able to walk these identity theft victims through the process necessary to reclaim their lives and help them learn ways to prevent being victimized again," Crist said.
The attorney general emphasized that any consumer who has been a victim of fraud should take advantage of this new and valuable resource.
"We envision that someday most households in the state will have this number 1-866-9-NO-SCAM listed along with other emergency numbers such as their local police and fire departments," Crist said. "Then scam artists will soon know that they better leave Florida consumers alone."