Miami leads U.S. in fraud. Romance scams cost Floridians $89 million

Why it matters: Floridians reported losing $866 million to fraud in 2024.

• Romance scams, imposter scams and job scams were the most lucrative types of fraud in the state.

Driving the news: The Miami metro area was No. 1 in the nation last year for reported fraud, according to the FTC, which tracked about 2,800 cases per 100,000 residents.

• Florida reported 2,163 cases per 100,000 residents.

The intrigue: Romance scams were the most lucrative form of fraud in Florida last year, with reported losses of $89 million, per the FTC.

• Just last month, a Miramar woman was sentenced to 30 months in prison for laundering $2.7 million in proceeds from romance scams.
• "Romance scams are a growing threat to Americans, particularly to the elderly and vulnerable," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, in a statement announcing the sentencing.

Floridians reported losing $54.8 million to business imposters and $45.7 million to government fakers.

• Imposter scams were the most popular form of fraud by number of reports.

The latest: Florida authorities last month announced they'd shut down hundreds of fraudulent SunPass websites.

• Officials said the sites were among those behind scam texts that have inundated Floridians lately, claiming they have unpaid tolls or fines.

How to get help: Consumers can report fraud to the FTC online and those 60 years and older can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.

Go deeper: Tips from the FTC on identifying scams