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Frauds and scams continue to run rampant in Miami-Dade County, with seniors being among the most vulnerable targets.
To address this growing concern and in recognition of National Consumer Protection Week in March, District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins launched a series of Lunch and Learn workshops aimed at educating seniors on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud and scams. To date, over 100 senior residents have participated in the five workshops held in low-income housing throughout District 5, with another five planned in the coming weeks.
According to the latest data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, marking a 25 percent increase from the previous year. This alarming rise in fraud affects individuals across the nation, with older adults being especially vulnerable to scams such as identity theft, telemarketing fraud, and fraudulent solicitations. Locally, Miami-Dade residents have seen an increase in fraudulent activities, underscoring the importance of proactive prevention.
“Protecting our most vulnerable residents from fraud and scams is not only a priority; it is a moral responsibility,” Commissioner Higgins said. “Through these Lunch and Learn workshops, we are providing seniors with the tools, resources, and information they need to safeguard their hard-earned savings and protect themselves from predators. Prevention is key because once an identity is stolen or money is lost, recovery can be incredibly difficult. The best way to avoid fraud is knowing how to stop it before it happens.”
The Lunch and Learn workshops are held in partnership with the county’s Regulatory and Economic Resources’ Consumer and Neighborhood Protection Division. They offer essential resources and practical advice on how to recognize scams, report fraudulent activity, and access help from the county’s Consumer Protection Division. Seniors are also able to ask questions and engage in one-on-one discussions with experts in fraud prevention.
Five Tips for Fraud Prevention:
• Never share personal information over the phone, email, or text unless you are certain of the person’s identity.
• Don’t trust unsolicited offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Secure your accounts by regularly changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
• Monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any unusual activity.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to local authorities and your bank to minimize the impact of fraud.
To schedule a workshop in your building, District 5 residents should contact Melissa Ortiz, district coordinator, at 305-375-5924 or by email to melissa.ortiz@miamidade.gov.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to fraud, report it at www.miamidade.gov/global/report-fraud.page/.
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