Government Impersonation Scams Targeting Florida Seniors
Florida seniors lost $8.2 million to government impersonation scams in 2024. Scammers exploit Florida’s large Medicare population and retirees’ trust in government agencies.
Why Florida is the Medicare Fraud Capital
Florida’s unique position makes it especially vulnerable to government impersonation:
- Largest Medicare population: With 4.9 million seniors, Florida has more Medicare beneficiaries than almost any state
- History as Medicare fraud hub: Miami has been called the “Medicare fraud capital” – scammers know the territory
- Seasonal residents: Snowbirds may receive calls about “problems” with benefits in multiple states
- Immigration concerns: Naturalized citizens may fear government more, making them vulnerable
- Property-focused threats: Scammers threaten homestead exemption, property liens, and other Florida-specific concerns
Florida-Specific Government Impersonation Tactics
The “Medicare Card Update” Scam: Scammers claim you need a “new Florida Medicare card” or your coverage will be canceled. They’re after your Medicare number for billing fraud.
DHSMV/Florida DMV Threats: Calls threatening suspension of your Florida driver’s license unless you pay “reinstatement fees” immediately via gift cards.
FPL Payment Threats: Scammers pose as Florida Power & Light demanding immediate payment to avoid shutoff. Real utilities never demand gift card payment.
Florida DCF Impersonation: Scammers claim Department of Children and Families is investigating you or a family member, demanding payment to “resolve” the case.
Property Appraiser/Tax Collector Scams: Threats about property tax liens, homestead exemption revocation, or “unpaid assessments” requiring immediate payment.
USCIS/Immigration Threats: In South Florida, scammers target naturalized citizens threatening deportation or visa problems unless fees are paid.
Government Agencies Commonly Impersonated
- Social Security Administration – Threatening benefit suspension or arrest
- Medicare/CMS – Claiming coverage problems or card issues
- IRS – Tax debt threats and arrest warrants
- Florida Department of Revenue – State tax threats
- Local Sheriff’s Office – Fake warrant threats
- FBI/DEA – Claims your identity was used in crimes
Verify Florida Agency Contact – Real Numbers
If anyone claims to be from a government agency, hang up and call the real number:
- Social Security: (800) 772-1213
- Medicare: (800) 633-4227
- Florida DHSMV: (850) 617-2000
- Florida Dept of Revenue: (850) 488-6800
- Florida Attorney General: (866) 966-7226
What Real Government Agencies Will Never Do
- Demand immediate payment over the phone
- Ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Threaten immediate arrest without prior written notice
- Request your full Social Security or Medicare number by phone
- Tell you to keep the call secret from family members
What to Do If You Receive a Threatening Call
- Hang up immediately
- Do not provide any personal information
- Look up the real agency phone number independently
- Report the call to Florida Attorney General: (866) 966-7226
- Report to FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov