Attorney General Moody's Week In Review

As National Consumer Protection Week comes to an end, I want to remind Floridians how important it is to watch out for new and emerging scams.

My Consumer Protection Division works hard every day to protect Floridians and put an end to scams and deceptive business practices. Since 2019, we have recovered more than $535 million for Floridians and consumers nationwide. Last year alone, the team secured more than $221 million in direct relief to consumers though restitution, debt forgiveness and other relief.

From the development of the NO SCAM app, to combating price gouging during declared emergencies and much more, we have a dedicated team of professionals that is always prepared to fight for Floridians.

In addition to recovering funds, my office helps inform Floridians about common and emerging schemes through our Consumer Alerts and Scams at a Glance program.

All of these resources are designed to warn specific audiences about tactics scammers may use to steal their money or identity.

To check out the latest Consumer Alerts, click here.

To view our Scams at a Glance resources, click here.

By working together to hold scammers accountable and identify emerging schemes, we are building a Stronger, Safer Florida.
Ashley Moody
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Wins Major Immigration Case as Federal Judge Sides with Florida and Agrees That Biden Broke the Border



A federal judge sided with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, ruling that President Joe Biden is responsible for the border crisis and claiming the president effectively turned the U.S. Southwest Border into “little more than a speedbump.” In a scathing 100-plus-page opinion, U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell ruled that Biden’s catch-and-release policy is unlawful and gave the administration seven days to comply with federal immigration law.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Today’s ruling affirms what we have known all along, President Biden is responsible for the border crisis and his unlawful immigration policies make this country less safe. A federal judge is now ordering Biden to follow the law, and his administration should immediately begin securing the border to protect the American people.” More.


Attorney General Moody Secures Thousands of New Jobs and Additional Flights for Florida

Attorney General Ashley Moody is securing thousands of new jobs for Floridians and dramatically increasing the number of flights to and from Florida Cities to resolve concerns raised by the proposed multibillion dollar merger between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “I am proud to take action to bring thousands of airline jobs to Florida communities, while also ensuring that Florida will see an unprecedented increase in affordable flights and airline capacity to support our growing economy.”

Following the completed merger between JetBlue and Spirit, the merged company must increase its seat capacity by at least 50% in both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando and must also increase its aggregate seat capacity at all other Florida airports in which JetBlue or Spirit currently operate by at least 50%. More.


AG Moody Asks Court to Order TikTok to Preserve and Produce Company Communications Critical to Multistate Investigation

Attorney General Ashley Moody asked a state court to compel TikTok to preserve and produce vital information to advance the multistate investigation into the China-owned social media company. Attorney General Moody and 45 attorneys general filed an amicus brief asking a state court to order TikTok to fully comply with an ongoing investigation into whether the company violated consumer protection laws in Florida and other states. The states are seeking to review internal TikTok communications to determine whether the company engaged in deceptive, unfair and unconscionable conduct that harmed the mental health of TikTok users, particularly children and teens.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The states, Congress, parents and even some teens have raised serious questions about how this China-owned company is conducting business in the United States. Unfortunately, TikTok is not being forthcoming with answers, and we are being forced to take this action to further our important multistate investigation.” More.


Behavior Technician Who Allegedly Defrauded Florida Medicaid of More Than $119,000 Arrested



Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit announced the arrest of a registered behavior technician. According to an investigation by the MFCU and the Hialeah Police Department, Greter Brito Acosta defrauded the Florida Medicaid program out of more than $119,000 for falsifying documentation and receiving money for services not rendered.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This defendant falsified service records and billed for services not provided to steal more than $100,000 from taxpayers. My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit put an end to this scheme, and now the defendant will have to answer for her crimes.” More.


VIDEO: During Busy Spring Break Season, Attorney General Moody Releases Scams at a Glance: Travel Traps



As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Ashley Moody is releasing a new Scams at a Glance resource to help Floridians spot and avoid travel scams. During the spring break season, many Floridians and tourists will be traveling. Florida is a hot destination where more than 130 million tourists visited in 2022. Unfortunately, scammers know this and may try to exploit consumers, casting a wide net to try and trap unwary travelers. Attorney General Moody is releasing Scams at a Glance: Travel Traps to help consumers avoid falling for fraudsters’ tricks during this busy travel season and beyond.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As spring break gets underway and we continue to recognize National Consumer Protection Week, I am releasing a new resource to help protect travelers. Scams at a Glance: Travel Traps highlights common schemes designed to rip off tourists, as well as helpful tips to avoid falling victim. Download it for free before you leave on spring break or plan a summer getaway.” More.


TAX-SEASON SCAMS SERIES: Attorney General Moody Launches New Consumer Alert Series to Protect Taxpayers



Attorney General Ashley Moody launched the 2023 Tax-Season Scams Series during National Consumer Protection Week. The first alert in the series warns about fraudulent tax preparers. The Internal Revenue Service reported a 300% increase in tax scams and fraud from 2021 to 2022. With Floridians preparing this year's returns, Attorney General Moody is issuing tips to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As many Floridians prepare their tax returns ahead of the April 18th deadline, it is important to be aware of possible scams. I’m launching our 2023 Tax-Season Scams Series with a warning about fraudulent tax preparers to help Floridians choose a trusted professional and avoid common pitfalls. This series will cover some of the main tax-related schemes and help teach Floridians how to avoid falling victim.” More.
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody returned to her hometown Plant City to speak at the annual Strawberry Festival Parade Luncheon.