New app protects against ID theft, fraud.

If you live in Florida, the odds are you will come across way more identity thieves and fraudsters than hurricanes or alligators. So it may be worth adding the new app called Scam Detector onto your iPhone or Android device.

The app is free, so you’ve go nothing to lose checking it out. And in Florida, you have plenty to lose when it comes to bad guys wanting to steal your identity or cash.

Florida is among the worst in the nation for these types of crimes. It ranks first per capita in identity theft complaints nationwide, with more than 178 complaints per 100,000 residents; and ranks sixth in fraud complaints, with about 515 complaints per 100,000 residents, according to the Consumer Sentinel Network, which compiles data on consumer complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission and state agencies, such as the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services.

Scam Detector is designed to prevent you from becoming such a statistic by keeping you informed of the latest schemes out there.

The app’s menu offers five categories to research: Auto, Face to Face, Internet, Telephone and Travel scams. Under the latter, I learned about the Beach Massage scheme, in which a woman walks up and offers a massage while you lay on your towel. By the time you open your eyes, there are two women both asking to be paid. And the ol’ Gym Membership scam, in which add-on charges for “insurance” and “maintenance and upkeep” appear on your bill after you sign up, not during the sales pitch.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud, contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 866-966-7226 or go to myfloridalegal.com. You may also contact the FTC at 1-877-ID-THEFT or visit FTC.com.

(original post)