Photo: ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP / Getty Images
(Ocala, FL) - Floridians, especially in Marion County, are being targeted by cyber criminals preying on seniors with dating scams.
The statewide prosecutor, John Paul, says one victim freely handed over $400 thousand to a scammer which the state will recover.
He says and victims fall for it because the scammer uses AI to create fake people who knit a future that's too good to be true.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says law enforcement with cyber-crime expertise has clawed $800 thousand for victims who fell prey to fear and fantasy tactics. He says, "Don't be embarrassed, you must report the scam to prevent it from happening again and to get your money back. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." He urged residents to be cautious of anyone asking for money online with a sense of urgency.
According to Uthmeier, $20 million of the recovered funds came from the newly established, highly trained Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit.
Uthmeier says fortunately Florida's expertise in cyber fraud enforcement is the best in the country and other states asking for help weekly.