Staying informed is crucial to keeping you from becoming a victim of scams and fraud. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) website provides a wealth of information to help you achieve just that, from protecting your family, finances and even your computer.
An informed consumer is the best defense against fraud and deception. Unfortunately, scammers know how to get around even an educated consumer’s better judgment by playing on emotions or promising huge returns. It’s important for consumers to take advantage of the many resources available to be on guard against fraud.
Avoid Becoming a Victim of Scams
Our Little Black Book of Scams provides consumers with a list of common scams targeting Floridians every day, such as tax scams, payday loan scams, travel scams, government scams, charity scams and telemarketing scams. By sharing information on how to detect and avoid frauds and scams, you are better able to protect your loved ones and your community.
Protect Your Child’s Identity
Each year, more than 50,000 children in Florida become victims of identity theft, and more than $100 million is stolen from children whose identities have been compromised. Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a new law to provide children with an extra line of defense against identity theft. The Keeping I.D. Safe Act, requires credit reporting agencies to establish and freeze a credit record for a minor upon request by a parent or guardian. By freezing your child’s credit, you can effectively block others from using it.
Know Where to go for Information
FDACS also provides an online A to Z Resource Guide for those consumers that may have a question, concern, problem or complaint, and are unsure whom to reach out to or where to start. This guide allows consumers to search by topic and access the website and phone number of the agency or resource that can address their specific questions or concerns.
Investigate Who You’re Doing Business With
If you received a recent offer or are dealing with a new business and are unsure about their history, visit our Business/Complaint Lookup. This page allows you to look up a business or individual, verify if they are licensed with the department and if they have received any complaints.
Original article here.