Protect Yourself from Scams & Frauds

PSA: Tips to Avoid Scams

• No legitimate business or government agency wants you to pay with gift cards or to wire them money for payment.
• Shred any paperwork with your credit card account information.
• Don't leave blanks on a credit card receipt. Write in $0 or draw a line.
• Never give out credit card or any personal information to someone who calls you. Only give that information on calls you initiate to trusted merchants.
• Don't click on links claiming to be from your bank or credit card company, and be suspicious of any emails from your bank asking for account information like user names and passwords. Call the bank to confirm before offering any information. In fact, never click on links in any email or text you haven't signed up to receive.
• Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door. Answer the door so they know someone is home, but don't open it. Don't let them inside and don't let them lure you outside, either.
• Research any charities before making a donation.
• Never cash an unsolicited check.

TIP: NEVER TRUST CALLER ID

Scammers can "spoof" caller ID and make it appear they are calling from any number, even law enforcement and government agencies.

RESOURCES:

1. IDENTITIY THEFT HOTLINE: https://www.identitytheft.gov, Phone: 1-877-438-4338
2. SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD: https://WWW.SSA.GOV, Phone: 1-800-772-1213
3. CREDIT CARD FRAUD: https://WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM  &  https://WWW.800HELPFLA.COM, Phone: 1-800-435-7352

To place a consumer fraud alert on your credit, call:

1. Equifax at 1-800-525-6285
2. Experian at 1-888-397-3742
3. Transunion at 1-800-680-7289

DO-NOT-CALL REGISTERY (FEDERAL): https://WWW.FTC.GOV, Phone: 1-888-382-1222

STATE:

1. https://WWW.FDACS.GOV/CONSUMER-RESOURCES/FLORIDA-DO-NOT-CALL
2. Phone (Inside Florida): 1-800-435-7352
3. Phone (Outside Florida): 1-800-410-3800

LOCAL HELP:

HCSO Crime Prevention Unit: 863-402-7453

HCSO Seniors vs. Crime Project Office: 863-402-7849