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.

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Protect Yourself During Medicare Open Enrollment! 🚨With Medicare Open Enrollment running from October 15 t...
10/28/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Protect Yourself During Medicare Open Enrollment! 🚨
With Medicare Open Enrollment running from October 15 to December 7, scammers are actively targeting beneficiaries with phone calls, texts, and emails. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns everyone to stay vigilant against common fraud tactics.

🛑 Common Scam Tactics to Watch For
• Fake "New" Cards: Scammers claim you must pay or verify information to upgrade to a "plastic card," "chip card," or new Medicare number.
• Impersonation: Fraudsters pretend to be from Medicare, the FTC, or a health agency—often using spoofed numbers so your caller ID looks official.
• Threats: They may claim your coverage or benefits will be canceled immediately unless you give them personal info.
• Bogus Offers: Promises of free medical equipment, "extra help," or genetic testing in exchange for your personal or financial data.
• Phishing Sites: Fake texts or emails linking to bogus websites designed to look like official government portals.

🛡️ How to Stay Safe (FTC Rules)
• Medicare NEVER cold-calls: Official Medicare representatives will never call, text, or email out of the blue asking for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank details.
• Cards are free and automatic: Medicare cards are always mailed automatically, made of paper, and cost nothing. There are no plastic or chip upgrades.
• Don't trust Caller ID: Numbers can easily be fake.
• Ignore unsolicited outreach: Hang up immediately, delete unverified text messages, and do not click unknown links.

📞 How to Report Scams
If you suspect a scam attempt or have been targeted:
• Medicare Hotline: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• FTC Reporting: Report online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Local Support: Reach out to your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

Stay safe, protect your personal information, and share this post to keep family and friends informed! 💙

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904-209-1432.

Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St Johns on Facebook for current updates.

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Deceptive International "Unclaimed Inheritance" Mailings 🚨Attention residents! A community member recently...
10/14/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Deceptive International "Unclaimed Inheritance" Mailings 🚨
Attention residents! A community member recently received a suspicious letter and brought it to our attention. Upon review, this has been confirmed as a classic inheritance / advance-fee scam.
Please read the details below to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to this scheme.

📬 Delivery Method: International Mail
• Mailed from Overseas: The physical letter was sent via La Poste (French International Mail), even though the sender claims to represent a legal/financial firm based in Madrid, Spain.

🚩 Red Flags Identifying This as a Scam
• Unsolicited Windfall: Claims €9,950,000 ($11 million US) was left behind by a deceased person who happens to share your last name.
• "Split the Payout": Promises a 50/50 split of the funds in exchange for your cooperation with no potential legal risk.
• Free Email Address: Uses a generic Gmail account rather than an official corporate domain.
• Demands for Secrecy: Asks for strict confidentiality to stop you from consulting family or police.

🛡️ How to Avoid Falling for It
• DO NOT Respond: Never contact the provided email or phone numbers.
• Never Share Personal Information: Do not send bank details, IDs, or upfront processing fees.
• Verify Independently: Legitimate banks, legal institutions, or government authorities do not contact beneficiaries out of the blue via unsolicited international mail asking to split funds.
• Talk to Family or Authorities: If you receive a letter that seems too good to be true, discuss it with a trusted family member, attorney, or local law enforcement before taking action.
• Spread the Word: Warn elderly family members, neighbors, and friends about these mail-based scams!

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St Johns on Facebook for current updates.

10/01/2026

On Wednesday, SJSO and Seniors vs Crime St. Johns County volunteers visited the Vicar's Landing retirement community for a presentation on current scam and fraud trends.

SJSO is aware of the increase in fraudulent activity in our community. Scammers are impersonating SJSO personnel and targeting St. Johns County residents, especially seniors.

SJSO Financial Crime Detective Fultz shared important information about common scams and how to protect personal information.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿:
→ SJSO will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 call you about a warrant
→ SJSO will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 call you about jury duty
→ SJSO will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 attempt to collect money from you over the phone
→ SJSO will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 ask you to provide personal information over the phone
→ SJSO will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 call or text you about an inmate

Scammers are smart and use fear tactics to scare someone, create a sense of urgency, and pressure for personal information.

When in doubt, 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗬! Please contact the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at 𝟵𝟬𝟰-𝟴𝟮𝟰-𝟴𝟯𝟬𝟰 to verify a phone call, document, or to report a crime.

Seniors vs Crime St. Johns County is a volunteer-led partnership between the Florida Attorney General's Office and SJSO that works to educate senior citizens, prevent fraud, investigate complaints, and seek restitution for seniors. All services are offered at no cost right here in St. Johns County.

To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, contact SVC:
Phone - (904) 209-1432
Email - [email protected]
Web - seniorsvscrime.com

⚠️ SCAM ALERT: Criminals Monitor Obituaries and Memorial PostsWhen a family loses a loved one, the last thing they shoul...
09/29/2026

⚠️ SCAM ALERT: Criminals Monitor Obituaries and Memorial Posts
When a family loses a loved one, the last thing they should need to worry about is fraud. Unfortunately, scam artists actively monitor 𝗼𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 looking for details they can exploit. They use this information to impersonate agencies, claim “unpaid bills,” or pressure grieving relatives into sharing personal information.

👉 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀:
• Criminals know families are overwhelmed and vulnerable.
• They harvest names, relationships, dates, and locations from public posts.
• They use these details to sound legitimate when they call or message.
• Some even track funeral announcements to target empty homes.

👉 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀:
• Fake calls from “Social Security,” “Medicare,” or “insurance companies.”
• Claims that a loved one had an outstanding balance or lapsed policy.
• Requests for bank information, SSNs, or copies of documents.
• Urgent pressure: “This must be resolved today.”

👉 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀:
• Share sensitive details privately, not publicly.
• Avoid posting exact birthdates, addresses, or full names.
• Limit funeral date/time to private messages or closed groups.
• Be skeptical of any unexpected call or message requesting money or information.
• Verify independently before responding.
Grief should never be an opportunity for exploitation. Please share this with anyone who may be posting memorial information online — especially during difficult times.

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

👉 Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St Johns on Facebook for current updates.

Car-related fraud reports are high in Northeast Florida according to 2026 stats from the Federal Trade Commission. Our S...
09/25/2026

Car-related fraud reports are high in Northeast Florida according to 2026 stats from the Federal Trade Commission. Our Seniors vs Crime St. Johns Team continues to receive Requests for Assistance relating to dissatisfaction on used and new car purchases. To get the word out, we created a 3-part education series on car fraud and scams.

This is Part 3 of the 3-part series. Did you miss Part 1: Before you Buy and Part 2 What Car Dealers MUST tell you – And What they Can’t Hide? Then check our previous posts.

🚨 BUYING A USED CAR IN FLORIDA? WATCH OUT FOR THESE 4 SCAMS! 🚨
With thousands of used cars changing hands across Florida every week, scammers are getting creative. Here’s what to look out for before handing over your money:

🚗 1. Title Washing & Flood Damage Scammers move totaled or flooded cars across state lines to scrub salvage titles.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:Check for musty smells/sand and run a VIN report at vehiclehistory.gov.

🚗 2. Curbstoning Unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers to flip unsafe, stolen, or broken cars.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:Walk away if the seller's ID doesn't match the name on the title.

🚗 3. Fake "Vehicle History Report" Links Buyers or sellers send fake links demanding a history report—it’s a trap to steal your credit card info.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:Never click links sent by buyers or sellers; use official Carfax or AutoCheck sites directly.

🚗 4. Deposit & "Out-of-Town" Scams Listings with prices too good to be true, where the seller claims they're deployed/away and demands a wire deposit first.
Individuals use sob stories or fake websites that mimic big brands to demand quick payment via wire or apps ([Zelle], [Venmo]). Legitimate online dealers (like [Carvana]) use secure corporate checkout portals on their official websites—never personal payment apps or texted invoices.
𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: Never pay an individual deposit for a car you haven't seen in person. If buying entirely online, verify you are on the company's official website.

💡 Pro Tips for Florida Buyers & Sellers:
• FL HSMB Title Transfer: Ensure the title is properly signed over and complete a Form HSMV 82050 (Notice of Sale) with the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles immediately after selling.
• Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Spending $100–$150 on an independent mechanic's inspection can save you thousands later.

📞 Need Help or Have Questions? Contact St. Johns County Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to request assistance with a civil dispute, call 904-209-1432.

👍 Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St. Johns on Facebook for current scam alerts and consumer protection tips!

Our Seniors vs Crime St. Johns Team continues to receive Requests for Assistance relating to dissatisfaction on used and...
09/15/2026

Our Seniors vs Crime St. Johns Team continues to receive Requests for Assistance relating to dissatisfaction on used and new car purchases. This is Part 2 of a 3-part series.
Missed Part 1: Before You Buy? Check our previous post.

⭐ What Car Dealers MUST Tell You — And What They Can’t Hide
Buying a car involves a lot of paperwork, but some information is too important to overlook. Florida and federal laws require certain disclosures and prohibit dealers from using deceptive sales practices.

1️⃣ Odometer Information
Dealers must comply with federal and Florida odometer-disclosure requirements when transferring covered vehicles. Falsifying mileage or rolling back an odometer is illegal.

2️⃣ They Can’t Lie About a Vehicle’s History or Condition
An “As-Is” sale generally limits the dealer’s responsibility for future repairs — but it does not give a dealer permission to make false or deceptive statements about the vehicle.
Florida law specifically prohibits dealers from misrepresenting a vehicle’s previous use or status.

3️⃣ Rebuilt, Flood and Other Branded Vehicles
Florida requires written disclosure of certain vehicle histories or title conditions, including vehicles that are:
• Rebuilt (that means it’s been declared a total loss from an accident)
• Flood damaged
• Previously used in certain capacities, such as a police vehicle, taxi or short-term rental
• Subject to certain other title brands
Florida also carries qualifying brands from out-of-state titles forward onto Florida titles.

💡 Tip: Get an independent vehicle-history report such as Carfax or AutoCheck — but remember that even a vehicle-history report may not show every accident or mechanical problem.

4️⃣ Title Paperwork Matters
Dealers are responsible for properly processing title and registration paperwork. Make sure the VIN, mileage, ownership information and title status are correct before you leave.

5️⃣ Watch the Price, Fees and Add-Ons
Florida law prohibits deceptive vehicle pricing. An advertised price generally must include mandatory dealer fees and charges, although taxes, tags, registration and title fees may be listed separately.

👉 Before signing, ask for the total out-the-door price in writing and compare it with the final contract.

6️⃣ Look for the FTC Buyers Guide on Used Cars
Most used-car dealers must display an FTC Buyers Guide telling you whether the vehicle is being sold:
• As-Is — No Dealer Warranty, or
• With a Warranty
The dealer must also provide you a copy of the final Buyers Guide when you purchase the vehicle.

⚠️ Florida Lemon Law Reminder
Florida’s Lemon Law generally does not apply to ordinary used-car purchases.

💡 Bottom Line:
Get promises in writing. Read the Buyers Guide, purchase contract and financing agreement carefully, and make sure there are no fees or add-ons you did not agree to.

➡️` Coming next: Part 3 — Top Car-Buying Scams and Sales Tactics to Watch For

📞 Need Help or Have Questions? Contact St. Johns County Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a fraud-prevention presentation or assistance with a civil dispute, call 904-209-1432.

👍 Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St. Johns on Facebook for current scam alerts and consumer-protection tips.

Our Seniors vs Crime St. Johns Team continues to receive Requests for Assistance relating to dissatisfaction on used and...
09/10/2026

Our Seniors vs Crime St. Johns Team continues to receive Requests for Assistance relating to dissatisfaction on used and new car purchases. We will be posting a 3-part series on this issue.

Part 1 “Before your Buy”, Part 2 “What Dealers MUST Tell You (But sometimes Don’t)”, and Part 3 “Top Used-Car Scams in Florida Right Now”. Please stay tuned!

⭐ Post 1— Before You Buy: The 3 Documents That Protect You (New & Used Cars)

Buying a car in Florida — new or used — gives you fewer “do overs” than people think. There’s NO 3 day return rule, and once you sign, you’re committed. These three documents are your protection before the pen hits the paper.

1️⃣ The FTC Buyers Guide (Used Cars Only)
Federal law requires every dealer to display a Buyers Guide on used cars. It tells you:
• Whether the car is AS IS or WARRANTIED
• What systems are covered
• What the dealer must fix
If the Buyers Guide and the contract don’t match, that’s a federal violation. Seniors and younger buyers alike often rely on verbal promises — but the Buyers Guide controls the deal.

2️⃣ The Purchase Agreement (New & Used Cars)
This is the contract that locks in:
• The real price
• The fees
• The financing terms
• Any add-ons
Under the FTC CARS Rule (effective 2024), dealers must:
• Disclose the true offering price upfront
• Get your express consent for every add on (no more surprise paint packages or “protection plans”)
• Avoid misrepresenting financing, fees, or rebates
If it’s not in writing, it’s not part of the deal.

3️⃣ The Warranty (New, Certified, and Some Used Cars)
New cars come with manufacturer warranties.
Used cars may have:
• Dealer warranties
• Third party service contracts
• “Certified” program warranties

But Florida’s Lemon Law rarely applies to used cars and only applies to new cars within the first 24 months. A warranty is only real if it’s in writing — not just promised.

Contact Seniors vs Crime SJC or the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call 904-209-1432.

Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime SJC on Facebook for current updates.

When the "Sheriff" Calls: How Scammers Use Fear to Target YouImagine answering your phone and hearing a firm, authoritat...
09/02/2026

When the "Sheriff" Calls: How Scammers Use Fear to Target You

Imagine answering your phone and hearing a firm, authoritative voice announce that they are a sergeant with your local sheriff's office calling about an urgent legal matter. Before you can react, they drop a bombshell: records show you missed a mandatory federal court date. Your heart drops, your mind races, and panic immediately sets in. That sudden wave of fear isn't an accident—it is the primary weapon used in scams by law enforcement impersonators scams.

How the Scam Works
Scammers rely on authority and urgency to block your logical thinking:
• Official Details: They use real names of local officers and judges pulled from public websites to sound legitimate.
• Spoofed Numbers: They manipulate caller ID to display the actual phone number of your local sheriff's office or court.
• The Final Trap: They claim a warrant is out for your arrest, demanding immediate resolution via gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payments.

What Real Law Enforcement Actually Does
• No Phone Demands: Law enforcement will never call to request money, gift cards, or wire transfers to clear up a warrant.
• Official Mail or In-Person Service: Genuine court summonses and notifications of missed dates arrive by official physical mail or are served in person by a deputy.

STOP, THINK, OBSERVE, PASS
As Smart Art showed in the comic, the best way to break a scammer's script is to refuse to be rushed. Saying a simple phrase—"Give me a minute to write this down so I can independently verify it” is often enough to make them hang up instantly.

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Look up the official non-emergency number for your local clerk of court or sheriff's office yourself and call to verify.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St Johns on Facebook for current updates.

🚨 SCAM ALERT FOR ST. JOHNS COUNTY VETERANS & FAMILIES Seniors vs Crime is warning local residents about a deceptive new ...
08/25/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT FOR ST. JOHNS COUNTY VETERANS & FAMILIES
Seniors vs Crime is warning local residents about a deceptive new scam targeting our veterans and their spouses.
Scammers are sending official-looking postcards in the mail claiming you qualify for additional monthly benefits through a "Veterans Savings Program".

🚨This program is FAKE.

How the Scam Works:
• Official Names: The mailer may list Florida and reference real VA programs like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life to appear legitimate.
• Urgent Pressure: It urges you to "call immediately" to avoid losing out.
• The Pitch: When you call, scammers attempt to steal your Social Security number, financial details, or personal information.

How to Protect Yourself & Loved Ones:
• 🚫 Do Not Call the Number: Throw the postcard away. The VA will never pressure you to share sensitive information over the phone.
• 📞 Verify Directly: Questions about your benefits? Contact the official VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000.

• 📢 Spread the Word: Talk to the senior veterans in your family and neighborhood.

If you receive this mailer, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the VA at 1-833-388-7233.

Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St Johns on Facebook for current updates.
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🚨 SCAM ALERT: The "Zelle Business Account Payment" Fraud 🚨WARNING: Small business owners and online sellers!A dangerous ...
08/18/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: The "Zelle Business Account Payment" Fraud 🚨

WARNING: Small business owners and online sellers!
A dangerous scam is targeting anyone who sells items online (Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, personal or business websites). One of our team members recently flagged this very convincing attempt.
How the Scam Works:

1. The "Wholesome" Buyer
A scammer uses a friendly, family-oriented profile to buy your item. They claim they will pay you right away via Zelle or PayPal.

2. The Fake Alert
You get a text or email that looks exactly like a real notification. It says your payment is "on hold" due to a "minimum processing amount" (usually around $500).

3. The Guilt Trip
The buyer messages you, claiming their money is now "lost in limbo." They may use manipulation about financial hardship to force you to act.

4. The Trap
A fake "Zelle support team" instructs you to access your bank account. They ask you to link a fraudulent phone number to your account to "release" the funds. If you link that number, you give scammers full access to your bank account, and they will drain every penny.

BEWARE: Zelle DOES NOT require you to pay a fee, upgrade your account to receive payment, or provide your banking information.

How to Protect Yourself:
• ❌ NEVER send money to "upgrade" an account to receive a payment.
• ❌ NEVER trust a screenshot or a text/email notification as proof of payment.
• ✅ ALWAYS log directly into your bank’s official app or website to confirm funds are actually in your account.

➕ Please share this post to protect your fellow small business owners and friends who sell online! Let’s keep our community safe from fraudsters.

Contact SJC Seniors vs Crime volunteers or the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304. To request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute, call: 904 209 1432.

Like and Follow Seniors vs Crime St Johns on Facebook for current updates.
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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

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