The bill would establish a task force that would study fraud prevention efforts implemented in other states, federally and internationally.
Rep. Jervonte Edmonds thinks Florida can better protect residents against online scams and digital fraud.
Edmonds, a West Palm Beach Democrat, has filed legislation (HB 195) that would create a Task Force on Payment Scams within the Florida Department of Financial Services to help develop plans and provide guidance on how teams can collaborate to combat fraud.
Duties would include evaluating scam tactics such as malicious advertisements, scam texts, pop-ups, websites and spoofed calls.
The task force would study prevention efforts already implemented in other states, on a federal level, and internationally. They would review current scam methods on payment platforms and develop education strategies so consumers can better identify and report scams.
It would further coordinate with law enforcement efforts in pursuing perpetrators, and consult with federal, state, local, tribal agencies and financial providers. Based on the information provided by other agencies and financial institutions, legislative recommendations or regulatory changes would be explored to improve prevention.
In July, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson released an advisory warning consumers about the growing number of email-based scams claiming to be subscription services like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon to gain access to payment information
“These scams look real — but they’re designed to trick you into taking the bait and handing over sensitive information,” Simpson said in a statement. “We want Floridians to recognize the red flags and protect themselves before they click.”
A study published by Simmrin Law Group shows that Florida leads the nation on internet fraud, approximately 56% above the national average. Over a five-year period, data shows that Floridians are twice as likely to become a victim of online fraud.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer would create the task force, which would be operational by Oct. 1, 2026. The Department of Financial Services would provide administrative and staff support.
The task force would be chaired by the CFO or their designee, and would include representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the Attorney General, the Division of Treasury, the Department of Commerce, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement units.
It would further include financial institutions such as credit unions, digital payment networks, consumer banks, consumer advocacy groups, technology and online platform associations, and up to five representatives for victims who have been scammed and support networks.
Members would be required to meet at least three times in the first year. While the position is unpaid, members could claim back certain expenses related to travel-related costs like lodging, flights, gas or public transportation, and would be provided with a daily allowance for food and incidentals.
A report would be required to be submitted to the Senate President and the House Speaker within one year of being established and annually thereafter.
The report would include findings and evaluations, strategic recommendations, legislative proposals and suggestions for intergovernmental cooperation and data sharing.
The bill contains a sunset provision that would automatically repeal the task force on Oct. 2, 2029, unless reenacted by the Legislature.
If passed, the bill would take effect July 1, 2026.
Source: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/762427-jervonte-edmonds-targets-digital-scammers-in-new-legislation/
