According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over 2.4 million consumers reported a total loss of $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022. This is more than a 30% increase from 2021’s $5.8 billion from 2.9 million consumer reports. Reports also found the top 5 scams of 2022 included:
- Impostors or impersonator scams.
- Online shopping.
- Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries.
- Investments
- Business and job opportunities.
Over $2.6 billion of reported losses were from impersonator identity scams, making it the most common and, thus, the type you are most likely to experience. Instances of property fraud are also on the rise. These issues of fraud are not only alarming due to the financial consequences but also because of how it preys on vulnerable groups.
As a precautionary measure to minimize identity and property fraud in our community, we have introduced the Risk Alert Notification Program, available for all Collier County residents. This free and accessible service is meant to provide you notifications that may help you prevent fraud.
Once registered, the Risk Alert Notification sends an email whenever a document that matches the subscriber’s criteria is recorded in Collier County’s Official Records. This service does not entirely prevent fraud, but it will give the subscriber an immediate notice to verify whether the transaction was legitimate or initiated by a scammer.
I encourage everyone to enroll in this program. Your enrollment is valid for three years, this timeframe helps us to make sure we have the most up to date information for you. Enrolling is easy; simply click the link on the home page of the Clerk’s website and submit your email address. You will receive instructions to register up to ten names, so be sure to include all variations of first and last names. You will receive an email whenever a document is recorded under any of those names. If you encounter any suspicious activity and believe you may be a victim of property fraud, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Collier County Sheriff’s Department.