Florida Report Finds Fewer Economic Crimes Against Seniors in 2020

A report from Florida estimates that the state recovered $1.7 million for seniors last year in refunds, savings, and money stolen from them, according to News4JAX . The new "Seniors vs. Crime" report shows complaints reported to the state were down last year, from 1,944 in 2019 to 1,783 in 2020. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said criminals continued to exploit seniors even during the pandemic, but volunteers recruited to counter such scammers were undaunted. "Not only did they help protect their fellow seniors who had been victimized, but they also provided thousands of Floridians with the tools needed to avoid scams — all at no cost to seniors," he noted. "While this latest report is promising, our work protecting Florida's seniors is far from over." The Seniors vs. Crime Project was started in 1989 to help prevent crime and fraud, aid consumers in resolving disputes, and help the Florida Attorney General's Office with its mission through the work of Florida senior volunteers. Since Moody's appointment, Seniors vs. Crime has helped recover, refund, and save more than $3.4 million for older Floridians.