Florida Ranks 3rd in Scam Losses as Collier Sheriff Warns Residents to Stay Alert

Florida residents are losing staggering amounts of money to scammers — and Collier County deputies say the problem is getting worse.

New data shows Florida ranks third in the nation for total scam losses, according to figures cited by the FBI.

That ranking has prompted the Collier County Sheriff's Office to issue a fresh warning to residents about fraud schemes targeting people across Southwest Florida.

Deputies say scammers are constantly evolving their tactics — often posing as government agencies, law enforcement officers, or financial institutions in order to gain trust and steal money or personal information.

Investigators say one of the most common schemes involves criminals impersonating officials from the sheriff’s office or other government agencies.

Victims may receive voicemails, phone calls or text messages instructing them to call a specific number. Once the victim responds, the scammers attempt to collect personal information or demand payment.

Some of the stories used in these scams include claims that:

• a person missed jury duty• a warrant has been issued for their arrest• unpaid fines must be settled immediately

• a traffic citation needs payment

The goal is to pressure victims into acting quickly before they have time to verify the information.

Experts say Florida’s large population, strong tourism economy and high number of retirees make the state a prime target for scammers.

Criminal networks often focus on:

• elderly residents• new homeowners

• people unfamiliar with local government procedures

Financial scams can range from phone fraud and identity theft to online investment schemes and fake government notices.

The sheriff’s office says the easiest way to avoid falling victim to these schemes is to slow down and verify the information.

If someone claims to represent a government agency, residents should look up the official phone number and call the agency directly rather than responding to the number provided in the message.

The sheriff’s office also operates a “Call Before You Pay” hotline where residents can check whether a request for payment is legitimate.

Deputies say the message is simple:

If someone demands money immediately — especially through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency — it’s almost certainly a scam.

Law enforcement agencies across Florida say public awareness remains one of the most effective tools in fighting fraud.

With scams becoming more sophisticated each year, deputies say the best defense is staying informed and reporting suspicious activity quickly.

And with Florida already ranking near the top nationally for scam losses, officials say residents should treat unexpected financial requests with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Because when it comes to scams, the safest move is often the simplest one:

Hang up, verify and report.