Latest news with #AARPFlorida
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida cracking down on ‘despicable' senior scams in prisons
(NewsNation) — In Florida, authorities have warned that criminals are finding new ways to scam seniors from behind bars by using cell phones and the internet to con people out of their hard-earned money. State officials recently launched 'Operation Triple Threat,' which they said uncovered multiple instances of prison inmates scamming seniors. One of the cases found that a 92-year-old man was scammed out of $800,000 over two years. 'We've identified people who are incarcerated in the state have had cellphones smuggled in and used internet services to reach out to seniors,' said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General. 'We see tens of billions of dollars stolen through scam activity across the country, and Florida is currently ranked #2 as the state scammers want to target the most.' More than 1,800 arrested in crackdown on Asia-based scam operations Officials said they searched through three prisons and confiscated nearly 40 cellphones, eight SIM cards, ten batteries, 94 chargers, and four Wi-Fi hotspots. They added that some of the inmates allegedly used cryptocurrency as part of their crimes while convincing seniors to make fake purchases. 'They love to send older adults, in particular, to these cryptocurrency ATMs,' said Karen Murillo, Advocacy Manager at AARP Florida. 'They may even tell them it's a security locker or name it something other than a cryptocurrency. Once that person hits send, it's gone. Online vigilantes turn tables on scammers who victimize the elderly Florida isn't the only state fighting to stop seniors from being scammed. Some states have introduced 'temporary hold' laws, which let banks and other institutions hold transactions that they think are fraudulent. California and Michigan also have laws to protect seniors. Meanwhile, legislators in Maine voted for a bill to prevent the exploitation of seniors. Investigators acknowledged they don't know how many suspects face charges. The FBI says seniors lost $4.8 billion in 2024 from internet scams. Crypto scams for people over 60 accounted for $1 million in losses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Resources for Tampa Bay seniors, others needing hurricane evacuation help
Among the Tampa Bay locals who were killed during last year's historic hurricane season, many shared a tragic trait in common: They were over 60 years old. Most lived in mandatory evacuation zones but didn't leave. Some also had mobility issues, such as needing walkers to get around. Jeff Johnson, the state director for AARP Florida, which advocates for people over the age of 50, said that in addition to physical hurdles, older adults also may have a harder time, emotionally, leaving their homes and not knowing what it'll look like when they come back. After living somewhere for decades, possibly filled with items that represent friends and family who have passed away, the process can be difficult. But it's important to heed mandatory evacuation calls. Johnson noted that even if residents think they're safe from storm surge on an upper floor of a condo high-rise, they need to consider what it would be like to live there without any power or water for days, including if the elevators go out in tall buildings. Some people of all ages might need help evacuating, too, because they lack transportation or the financial means to book a hotel room. For people who need help evacuating ahead of a hurricane, there are resources available. Residents who rely on medication, oxygen or power can add their names to the state's special needs registry before a hurricane looms. That registry, run by the Florida Department of Health in coordination with county governments, is at Pinellas County: County officials encourage residents with medical needs, who lack transportation, or need help walking or getting out of bed to register for the county's special needs program. Residents can ask their home health care provider about registering or do so online at You can also request a form by calling Pinellas County Emergency Management at 727-464-3800. Hillsborough County: Special needs residents should register at the state health department website above, according to county officials. The Hillsborough County Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool at includes real-time shelter locations, evacuation zones and HART bus evacuation routes. For assistance, the county's main information line is 813-272-5900. Residents can also call the storm information line when emergency staff are activated: 833-427-8676. Pasco County: Residents with special needs can find information on registering, plus a short video on how to register, at Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, said residents can also call 800-729-3413 with questions on evacuation orders or for assistance getting out. Times staff writer Justin Garcia and Times/Herald staff writer Romy Ellenbogen contributed to this report. A version of this story was previously published in the Tampa Bay Times. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida's most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. For Tampa Bay, Helene was the worst storm in a century More hurricanes are slamming the Gulf Coast. Is this the new normal? Want to know what areas are flooding in Tampa Bay? Here's where to look. Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits.
