To recognize Military Consumer Protection Month, on Wednesday, state Attorney General Ashley Moody highlighted the plethora of resources available for service members through the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
More than 1.5 million veterans, 100,000 service members and their families call Florida home. Unfortunately, there are scammers who focus on members of this community.
To assist Florida military members and veterans, Moody’s office published the Military Consumer Protection Resource Guide, with information about common scams targeting military members, veterans and their families, and guidance on existing laws and agencies that provide protections for service members. Another resource provided by Moody is “Scams at a Glance: Protect Our Patriots.” This quick-reference tool provides tips for avoiding fraudulent schemes. Moody also staffs a Military and Veterans Assistance Program within the Consumer Protection Division that aids service members dealing with fraud and related issues.
“This Military Consumer Protection Month, we are highlighting some of our resources designed to help protect those brave Americans who sacrifice so much in service to our nation. Sadly, some scammers attempt to exploit the military through scams designed to prey on service members, veterans and their families. Anyone who encounters one of these scams should contact my office immediately,” Moody said.
Moody encouraged all service members and veterans to consider the following tips to avoid falling victim to military-related scams:
Beware of scammers using misleading photos or language to imply association with a branch of the military;
Know that phishing schemes use manipulated messages that appear to be from a military branch or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in an effort to target service members, veterans or family members;
Research charities soliciting funds by checking the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org, or Charity Navigator at CharityNavigator.org, to determine if the organization has complaints against it; and
Place an active-duty alert on credit reports at no cost. An active-duty alert requires businesses to take additional steps before granting credit in the name of active-duty personnel serving overseas.
Author
