Florida has taken the top spot as the state with the highest rate of fraud in the United States for 2024, according to a recent report based on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data. With 1,020 fraud reports per 100,000 residents in the first half of the year, the Sunshine State has been identified as a hotspot for various types of scams, leading to significant financial losses.
Alarming Numbers
The report, compiled by Investor Loss Center, highlights the scale of fraud in Florida:
- 78,308 fraud cases were reported statewide, with total losses amounting to $435.2 million.
- Imposter scams were the most frequently reported type of fraud, accounting for 23,678 cases. These scams exploit victims’ emotions, such as fear or trust, to achieve their goals.
- Health care fraud was another major issue, with Florida recording 3,828 cases (179.4 per million residents), making it the highest rate in the country.
- The state ranked second in internet services fraud, with 4,186 cases, just behind California.