Seniors vs Crime St. Johns County

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Seniors vs Crime St. Johns County

Seniors vs Crime is a project of the Florida Attorney General's Office. Seniors vs Crime is a special project of the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

Volunteers provide the following free services: 1) educate residents about fraud and scam prevention and 2) assist those victimized by scams or other fraudulent practices. Services are offered free by volunteers to educate residents on fraud prevention and to assist those victimized by scams or other fraudulent practices.

04/20/2026

🚨 FBI Alert: Internet Crime Just Hit a Major Milestone (And Not a Good One)

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) just released its 2025 report, and for the first time in history, they received over one million complaints in a single year.

Here are some sobering takeaways that we all need to see, especially here in our community. Here is what is happening in the world of digital theft:

1. "Investment" is the New Front Line
Investment scams might only make up about 7% of reports, but they account for over 41% of all dollars stolen. These aren't just "bad trades” this is organized crime using unregulated crypto and human-trafficked call centers to systematically drain bank accounts.

2. Crypto is the Primary Weapon
For the first time, more than half of all stolen money (54.4%) was taken via cryptocurrency. It’s the preferred method for scammers because it’s fast and incredibly difficult to reverse once it’s gone.

3. Our Seniors are the Primary Targets
The data shows a heartbreaking trend. Victims over the age of 60 are bearing the brunt of these crimes:
• 68% of all money stolen in Romance Scams comes from seniors.
• 60% of all money stolen in Tech Support & Government Impersonation scams comes from seniors.
4. It’s Not "Lost”…It’s STOLEN
We often hear people say they "lost" money to a scam. Let's call it what it is: Theft. The average victim in these categories saw $38,500 stolen. That isn't a mistake; it's a crime.
How can we fight back?
• Report everything: If you or a loved one is targeted, file a report at IC3.gov. Reporting is the only way the FBI can track these syndicates.
• Stay Skeptical: Government agencies will never call you demanding payment via crypto or gift cards.
• Talk about it: Scammers rely on the "shame" of the victim to keep them quiet. By sharing these numbers, we take away their power.

Let’s keep our community safe. Please share this with your friends and family—especially those who might not be following the latest tech news. Knowledge is our best defense! 🛡️

Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

👍 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 & 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙫𝙨 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙅𝙤𝙝𝙣𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!
for Good

04/18/2026

🚨 FBI Alert: Internet Crime Just Hit a Major Milestone (And Not a Good One)

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) just released its 2025 report, and for the first time in history, they received over one million complaints in a single year.
Here are some sobering takeaways that we all need to see, especially here in our community. Here is what is happening in the world of digital theft:

1. "Investment" is the New Front Line
Investment scams might only make up about 7% of reports, but they account for over 41% of all dollars stolen. These aren't just "bad trades” this is organized crime using unregulated crypto and human-trafficked call centers to systematically drain bank accounts.

2. Crypto is the Primary Weapon
For the first time, more than half of all stolen money (54.4%) was taken via cryptocurrency. It’s the preferred method for scammers because it’s fast and incredibly difficult to reverse once it’s gone.

3. Our Seniors are the Primary Targets
The data shows a heartbreaking trend. Victims over the age of 60 are bearing the brunt of these crimes:
• 68% of all money stolen in Romance Scams comes from seniors.
• 60% of all money stolen in Tech Support & Government Impersonation scams comes from seniors.

4. It’s Not "Lost”…It’s STOLEN
We often hear people say they "lost" money to a scam. Let's call it what it is: Theft. The average victim in these categories saw $38,500 stolen. That isn't a mistake; it's a crime.
How can we fight back?
• Report everything: If you or a loved one is targeted, file a report at IC3.gov. Reporting is the only way the FBI can track these syndicates.
• Stay Skeptical: Government agencies will never call you demanding payment via crypto or gift cards.
• Talk about it: Scammers rely on the "shame" of the victim to keep them quiet. By sharing these numbers, we take away their power.

Let’s keep our community safe. Please share this with your friends and family—especially those who might not be following the latest tech news. Knowledge is our best defense! 🛡️

Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

👍 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 & 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙫𝙨 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙅𝙤𝙝𝙣𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!

for Good

04/07/2026

🏠 URGENT: Protect Your Home from "Title Theft" 🛡️

After a four-year investigation across the US, a recent major bust by the FBI and the Department of Justice uncovered a sophisticated fraud ring in California. Eleven individuals were arrested for a $17 million scheme that targeted the one thing many seniors worked their whole lives for: their homes.

How the Scam Worked: Criminals stole the identities of elderly homeowners to create fake IDs and documents. They then impersonated the owners to take out massive "hard money" loans against the victims' properties, pocketing the cash and leaving the unsuspecting seniors with the debt and potential foreclosure.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones:

1. Monitor Your Property Title: St. Johns County offers a "Property Fraud Alert" service, sign up to receive an email whenever a document is recorded against your property. https://stjohnsclerk.com/
2. Check Your Credit Regularly: You can check your credit reports regularly for unauthorized inquiries or new accounts. You can check all three agencies for free once every week. https://annualcreditreport.com
3. Secure Personal Information: Never share your Social Security numbers or birthdates over the phone or via email, even if the person claims to be from a bank or government agency.
4. Watch the Mail: Be on the lookout for unexpected bills, statements, or legal notices regarding loans or liens you didn’t apply for.
5. Freeze Your Credit: A credit freeze is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.

✅𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘃𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆, share this post to help spread the word and stop these predators in their tracks.

✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗝𝗖 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘃𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳’𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗧𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲, 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟵𝟬𝟰-𝟮𝟬𝟵-𝟭𝟰𝟯𝟮.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice / FBI Los Angeles Field Office

04/01/2026

Freezing Your Credit Is Smart — But It Doesn’t Stop Payday Loan Fraud

Wait, what?! Even with your credit FROZEN at all three major bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, you could STILL be at risk of identity theft!

Recently, a savvy consumer, who had everything locked down: frozen credit, good security, the works, alerted us that identity thieves had managed to apply for a pay day loan in her name, and she didn't get a SINGLE alert!

How? Because pay day lenders often use specialized reporting agencies, not the big three— and if those aren’t frozen, the bad guys can still take out loans in your name.

🛡️ To Protect Yourself, Place a Security Freeze on Your “Alternative Credit” Reports
Payday lenders often check:
• Clarity Services (Experian-owned)
• FactorTrust (TransUnion-owned)
• DataX
• Teletrack (Equifax-owned)
• CoreLogic Teletrack
Freezing them blocks payday lenders from accessing your data.

🛡️Use a Payday Loan Lock - Some identity protection services offer a Payday Loan Lock feature. It alerts you and blocks attempts to open short-term loans in your name.
Example: Norton’s Payday Loan Lock notifies you if someone tries to apply for a payday or installment loan using your identity.

🛡️Add a Fraud Alert- Even if your credit is frozen, a fraud alert forces lenders to verify your identity before issuing new credit. You can place one through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

🛡️ Monitor Your Bank Accounts- If scammers have your banking info, they may attempt withdrawals or fake repayments. Set up bank alerts, check deposits daily, and consider using a separate “online-only” account for risky transactions.

🛡️ File an FTC Identity Theft Report if Fraud Occurs - If someone takes out a payday loan in your name, file a report at identitytheft.gov.

Help us protect your neighbors – SHARE THIS POST to spread the word. Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
To request a public presentation or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call 904-209-1432.

03/24/2026

🔴 SCAM ALERT: TAX SEASON FRAUD 🔴
Our community has reported an increase in sophisticated federal tax scams. Fraudsters are aggressive, often using panic and high-pressure tactics (like the notification shown in the image below) to steal your money and personal information.

They are using AI voice cloning, fake official-looking caller IDs, and fraudulent social media "refund hacks" (specifically referencing the Fuel Tax Credit) to trick honest taxpayers.

Protect yourself and your family! Here is what you need to know:

🛑 The IRS Will NOT:
• Call, text, or DM you as their first contact. (The IRS officially initiates taxpayer contact through the U.S. Postal Service, making any unexpected phone call, email, or social media message a strong indicator of a scam.)
• Threaten you with immediate arrest, deportation, or driver's license suspension.
• Demand payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

✅ Pro-Tips to Stay Safe:
• Verify the Pro: Only use a preparer with a valid 2026 PTIN. Check the official IRS directory.
• Use an IP PIN: Protect your SSN by requesting a 6-digit Identity Protection PIN at IRS.gov.
• Type, Don't Tap: Never click suspicious links. Manually type IRS.gov into your browser.

If you encounter a scam, take a screenshot and report it to [email protected] and the new centralized tool at IRS.gov/SubmitATip.

Help us protect your neighbors—SHARE THIS POST to spread the word!
Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

👍 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 & 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙫𝙨 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙅𝙤𝙝𝙣𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!

03/18/2026

🚨 SECURITY ALERT: Sophisticated Apple ID Scam Targeting Our Community! 🚨
A dangerous new scam is going around that targets your Apple ID—and it’s more convincing than most. Here’s what’s happening and how to protect yourself.
The Scam:
1️⃣ Scammers flood your phone with dozens of "Multifactor Authorization (“MFA”)/Password Reset" notifications.
2️⃣ You receive a call from a fake "Apple Support" agent offering to "help" stop the notifications.
3️⃣ They give a dramatic, fake reason to create urgency and panic.
4️⃣ They send you to a fake website or ask you for a code to "validate your identity."

⚠️ If you provide the code or click the link, they steal your account.
How to Stay Safe:
✅ Hone your "NO" skill. Do not approve MFA requests you did not request.
✅ Hang Up and Call Back. Never trust an incoming call. Call Apple directly using their official number.
✅ Never Share Codes. Real Apple agents will NEVER ask you for a verification code over the phone.
✅ Look at the URL. Check for misspellings like .com or apple-support.com.

🚨 TIP: Enable "Recovery Contacts" in your Apple ID settings. It’s a great "Plan B" to recover if you do get locked out.

This scam is very targeted and uses emotional manipulation. Please share this post to keep your friends and family safe!

Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432

03/11/2026

𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟴-𝟵𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗢𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼- 𝗪𝗙𝗢𝗬 𝟭𝟬𝟮.𝟭 𝗙𝗠 𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟮𝟰𝟬 𝗔𝗠!

COA Special Guests Scott Herrington and Kathleen Andrews with Seniors vs Crime St. Johns will be updating the community on case highlights from 2025 and 2026 to date, including successful financial recoveries from civil disputes for local residents.

Additionally, they’ll discuss the special relationship between Sheriff Hardwick’s Office and Seniors vs Crime Team.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 & 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘃𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘁. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call 904-209-1432.

03/09/2026

🍕🚨 PIZZA DELIVERY SCAM ALERT 🚨🍕
A random $45 pizza delivery confirmation on Mark’s phone was the first warning sign — he hadn’t ordered a pizza.

When he checked his credit card statement, the charge was there. He immediately disputed it with his credit card company.
Then he did something smart: he checked his credit report.

He didn’t find pepperoni…
but he did find a HARD CREDIT INQUIRY he never authorized.

Someone was actively trying to open a new line of credit in his name. 👉 This is IDENTITY THEFT IN ACTION.

⚠️ Don’t ignore “small” fraudulent charges
Use Mark’s story as a checklist to protect your identity right now:

Action Steps to Protect Yourself

1️⃣ Freeze Your Credit
Free under federal law. You must contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion individually. A freeze stops new credit from being opened — it does not affect your existing cards.

2️⃣ File an ID Theft Report
Go to IdentityTheft.gov (FTC). This creates an official report you’ll need to dispute fraudulent inquiries.

3️⃣ Call the Lender
Contact the company listed on your credit report for the unauthorized inquiry.
Tell them the application was fraudulent.

Has this happened to you or someone you know?
Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call:
📞 904‑209‑1432

#️⃣

02/14/2026

Seniors' vs Crime St. Johns welcomed Lt. Governor Jay Collins to our quarterly meeting with Sheriff Rob Hardwick. He outlined his priorities for protecting Florida’s seniors, and we presented our 2025 results, including community education efforts and refunds recovered for St. Johns County residents through successful civil mediation.

Learn more about Lt. Governor Collins' Operation Senior Shield click this link: https://operationseniorshield.com

Like & follow Seniors vs Crime St. Johns County on Facebook for current updates. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call 904-209-1432.

02/01/2026

Going Once, Going Twice... Gone Wrong?
Based on recent reports, there are significant warnings regarding some online foreclosure auction platforms, with complaints frequently highlighting issues with deposit returns and auction legitimacy.
Several regulatory and law enforcement agencies in Florida and other states are reviewing practices, particularly concerning delays in releasing bid funds.
What to do if you suspect fraud or unorthodox foreclosure auction practices:
File a Complaint: Report suspicious activity to the Florida Attorney General’s office by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM or online at https://www.seniorsvscrime.com/file-a-complaint
Use Official Channels: Always check the county clerk of court's website for official foreclosure auction listings, rather than relying solely on third-party sites.
Contact a licensed realtor specializing in foreclosure and auction procedures.

Google AI assist

01/27/2026

🛡️ Seniors vs Crime Alert: Password Managers Are Great — But They’re Not Magic!

Many people use a password manager these days, and that’s a smart move. They are a tool to help create strong passwords and store them safely. But even the best password manager can’t protect you from everything.

Here are 5 things to watch out for so you stay one step ahead of scammers:

🔸 Scams that trick you — If someone calls, emails, or texts pretending to be your bank or a family member, a password manager can’t stop you from giving information to the wrong person.
🔸 Fake websites — Password managers won’t warn you if you accidentally click a scam link.
🔸 Weak master passwords — Your “main” password must be strong. If it’s easy to guess, everything else is at risk.
🔸 Unprotected devices — If a scammer gets into your phone or computer, they can see everything.
🔸 Sharing passwords — Even one shared password can open the door to trouble.

💡 Good news: With a strong master password, two step verification, and a little caution, password managers are still one of the best tools to protect yourself online.
If you ever feel unsure about a message, link, or phone call — pause and check first. Seniors vs Crime is here to help our community stay safe and confident.

Image and article assistance Co-Pilot

Attribution: FTC,

Address

Seniors Vs Crime St Johns County Location: Street Johns Sheriff's Office/South Regional Operations Center 3370 U.S. 1 South
Saint Augustine, FL
32086

Telephone

+19042091432

Website

https://www.seniorsvscrime.com/

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