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Florida cracks down on scams aimed at seniors

And many of the scammers are already behind bars

Updated:

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By:
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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
Scam Alert

Key Insights

  • Florida authorities conduct surprise prison raids to combat inmate-led scams targeting seniors.
  • Searches uncover dozens of illicit devices used to orchestrate fraud from behind bars.
  • Officials vow zero tolerance, pledging aggressive enforcement to protect retirees.

In a sweeping move to protect senior citizens from scammers, the state of Florida’s law enforcement agencies recently carried out a coordinated search and seizure operation against scammers who are targeting seniors.

The scammers weren’t that hard to find. They were already in the state’s prisons, conducting their schemes from behind bars.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the surprise raids uncovered a cache of contraband used by inmates to carry out their scams.

The joint operation, conducted with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Department of Corrections, and local sheriffs, comes amid a surge in reports of inmates using smuggled phones and digital devices to exploit older Floridians.

“Florida is the number one state to retire, and we have a duty to protect the seniors living out their golden years across this state,” said Uthmeier. “We are locking down our prisons, stepping up surprise inspections, and sending a clear message—target our seniors and we’ll come after you.”

Contraband and criminal schemes

Authorities recovered 39 contraband cellphones, 8 SIM cards, 10 batteries, 94 chargers, 4 WiFi hotspots, 10 pairs of earbuds, and 3 SD cards during the coordinated raids. Officials say these tools enable inmates to execute scams via phone and online, exploiting victims from behind prison walls.

“Contraband cellphones are not just security risks, they’re weapons used to exploit, extort, and endanger lives far beyond prison walls,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon. “We’ve taken decisive action and welcome further authority from Congress to continue this fight.”

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