Attorney general warns scammers are exploiting reopening.

Attorney general asks consumers to ‘be on the lookout’ for fraud

As Florida businesses start to reopen and people get back to work, state officials are warning that scam artists are also getting back to work using COVID-19 related robocalls, phishing emails and impostor schemes to rip off those desperate for a return to normal.

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office issued another Consumer Alert Wednesday. It focused on scammers trying to exploit the slowly expanding marketplace to take advantage of consumers and small businesses.

“I want Floridians and business owners to be on the lookout for new scams associated with reopening and report fraud to our office,” Moody said in a statement. “Scammers will likely use the same nefarious tactics that they have been using to target Floridians throughout the COVID-19 crisis.”

To guard against scams, the state recommends:

Hang up on robocalls offering products or services. Do not press any numbers on your phone when prompted and do not offer any personal or financial information

Avoid clicking links on email solicitations or advertisements offering free COVID-19 testing, business loans, or too good to be true prices on pandemic-related products

Never trust the number on a Caller ID display, as spoofing technology allows scammers to change the display on an incoming call so that it appears to be coming from a government entity

Research a website or organization thoroughly before purchasing a product, scheduling a service, or providing any personal information. There are plenty of reports about scammers creating fake COVID-19 websites to rip off consumers

To report a COVID-19 related scam, contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 866-966-7226 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com.

Consumers should also report scams to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 800-435-7352 or online at FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Consumers can also visit the Check-A-Charity website to learn if a charity is properly registered and if your money is going to benefit victims of the coronavirus. Also report concerns to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint.