TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A message demanding immediate payment for a missed jury duty notice, a suspicious “security alert” in an inbox or an investment promising profits from artificial intelligence could all be signs of an online scam.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is using Cybersecurity Awareness Month to warn Floridians about those threats and encourage stronger security habits as criminals find new ways to target personal and financial information.
This year’s campaign carries the theme “Securing the Next 250,” with FDLE joining national cybersecurity partners in promoting online safety.
“In the digital age, security begins with awareness,” said Mike Duffey, special agent in charge of FDLE’s Cyber Crimes Technology and Communications Division. “Protect your data like you protect your home, lock your devices, guard your passwords, and never open the door to strangers online.”
Watch for phishing attempts
Phishing remains one of the methods scammers use to steal information or install malicious software.
FDLE said fraudulent emails and text messages often try to create a sense of urgency, telling recipients they must immediately click a link, make a payment or update account information to avoid a penalty.
Subject lines such as “security alert,” “update your information” or “account suspended” should receive additional scrutiny, particularly when the message is unsolicited.
Users should avoid opening suspicious links or attachments and can use security filters to limit messages from unknown senders.
Strong passwords and MFA add protection
FDLE recommends using a different password for every account and avoiding easily guessed information such as birthdays, addresses and pet names.
The agency recommends passwords of at least 16 characters using a random combination of letters, numbers and other characters.
Multi-factor authentication provides another layer of protection by requiring an additional verification method, such as an authenticator app, security key, fingerprint or text code.
Password managers can also generate and store unique passwords, reducing the temptation to reuse the same password across multiple accounts.
Don’t ignore software updates
Those update notifications on phones, tablets and computers can have security implications.
FDLE recommends installing operating system and software updates when they become available or enabling automatic updates. Updates can address security vulnerabilities that criminals might otherwise exploit.
Parents are also encouraged to review permissions requested by children’s mobile apps. Some applications request access to a device’s location, photographs, contacts or other information that may not be necessary for the app to function.
Cryptocurrency and AI scams are growing concerns
FDLE is also warning about schemes involving cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.
Some scams attempt to persuade victims to transfer cryptocurrency to unfamiliar platforms while claiming the money will be used for “AI processing,” hardware or infrastructure related to artificial intelligence.
The agency stressed that Florida law enforcement agencies do not demand cryptocurrency payments to resolve warrants or missed jury duty.
High-pressure demands to immediately transfer cryptocurrency should be treated as a warning sign.
FDLE also recommends caution when using generative AI tools and chatbots. Users should consider what information they enter into such services and verify AI-generated information rather than assuming it is accurate.
More cybersecurity guidance for individuals, families and businesses is available through FDLE’s Secure Florida initiative at SecureFlorida.org.