(Le Floridien) — In a sobering reminder of the growing threat of consumer fraud, a new study from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveals that Florida ranks second highest in the nation for fraud cases per capita, with nearly two-thirds more cases than the national average. From April 2023 to March 2024, Florida reported 1,589 cases per 100,000 residents—an alarming 60% higher than the U.S. average of 988 cases per 100,000 residents.
This wave of fraud has impacted Floridians heavily, with more than 359,300 incidents reported during the study period. The state’s vulnerability to fraud has been consistent, ranking among the top four worst-affected states over the past five years. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Florida’s losses due to fraud reached a staggering $171.1 million.
At the heart of this issue are imposter scams, which the FTC identifies as the most common type of fraud in Florida. These scams often involve criminals posing as trusted figures or institutions to deceive victims, exploiting their trust to steal sensitive information or money. As of the first quarter of 2024, more than 32,000 fraud reports of various types have been filed in the state, showcasing the magnitude of the problem.
In addition to imposter scams, online shopping fraud and negative review schemes also rank high among the most common fraud types in Florida. The rise of digital commerce and increased reliance on online services have created fertile ground for fraudsters, further complicating efforts to curb the state’s high fraud rates.
While Florida’s fraud rate is alarming, neighboring Georgia holds the unfortunate distinction of being the state most affected by fraud. With a rate of 1,605 reports per 100,000 residents—62% higher than the national average—Georgia has consistently topped the charts for consumer fraud. In total, the state reported more than 177,000 fraud cases between April 2023 and March 2024, with imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and business/job opportunity scams being the primary culprits.
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Georgia residents reported over 4,300 imposter scams, continuing the state’s trend of high fraud rates that date back to 2022.
Other states also contend with significant fraud problems. Nevada ranks third with 1,532 reports per 100,000 residents, followed by Delaware (1,486 per 100,000) and Maryland (1,428 per 100,000).
. Maryland is followed by Arizona with 90,254 cases and a rate of 1,215 per 100,000 residents.
. Seventh is Pennsylvania, with 156,014 cases and a rate of 1,204 per 100,000 residents.
. Eighth is Illinois, with 150,612 cases and a rate of 1,200 per 100,000 residents.
. South Carolina takes the ninth spot, reporting 62,899 cases and a rate of 1,171 per 100,000 residents.
. Tenth is New Jersey, with 108,593 cases and a rate of 1,169 per 100,000 residents.
The study highlights a growing national trend of rising fraud cases, with nearly every state showing elevated fraud rates above previous years. Across the country, consumer fraud is becoming a pervasive issue, driven by the rapid digitization of daily life and increasing sophistication of scammers.
The FTC report underscores the need for heightened awareness and stronger consumer protections to combat fraud. As fraud rates continue to rise, especially in states like Florida and Georgia, the financial and emotional toll on victims is becoming harder to ignore.
Imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and investment schemes remain at the forefront of this threat, highlighting the need for both individuals and governments to remain vigilant against an ever-evolving array of scams. The challenge, as the data shows, is monumental—and one that shows no sign of abating in the near future.
