GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — Alachua County Sheriff’s Office leaders predict residents will lose nearly $9 million to scams this year, as artificial intelligence creates new challenges for people targeted by fraudsters.
In 2025, more than $6.8 million was stolen through fraud and scams in Alachua County alone. Officials say money lost to scams exceeds losses from theft, burglary, criminal mischief, and items stolen from vehicles combined.
Sheriff Chad Scott said current budget allocations do not reflect the seriousness of the issue, but he reiterated the importance of preventing these crimes. Deputies and detectives gathered for a forum to issue a warning and provide information about resources available to possible victims…