Florida has been identified as one of the states most affected by fraud, according to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The report highlights that Floridians experienced significant financial losses due to various fraud schemes in 2022.

High Fraud Rates in Florida

The FTC’s data reveals that Florida had approximately 802 reported fraud cases per 100,000 residents, placing it on the higher end of the national scale. This alarming statistic underscores the prevalence of fraudulent activities targeting residents across the state.

Financial Impact on Floridians

In total, Floridians lost $1.1 billion to fraud schemes last year. The state ranked fourth nationwide in terms of losses related to business impostor and investment scams. Specifically, residents lost $74.2 million to business impostor scams and over $592 million to investment advice scams.

Other categories of fraud affecting Floridians included investment, romance, and job scams, as well as schemes involving government and business impostors. These scams have had a profound impact on the financial well-being of many individuals and families in the state.

Protecting Against Fraud

As part of ongoing efforts to combat fraud, local news outlets like WPBF 25 News are working to keep residents informed about the latest scams and fraud schemes. Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in protecting oneself from falling victim to these deceptive practices.

For those seeking to stay updated on this issue, WPBF 25 News offers resources and updates through their news app, which can be downloaded for the latest information on fraud prevention and other important local news.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.