SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. — A newly signed bill in Florida aims to protect seniors and other vulnerable adults from scams statewide.
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed the "Protection of Specified Adults" bill into law. The measure, which was sponsored by Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg), allows banks to delay disbursing money if employees believe seniors ages 65 and up or "vulnerable" adults under the law are being scammed.
"This is not a partisan issue," Sun City Center resident Kim Droege said. "It knows no socioeconomic class. It knows no political boundaries. It affects everyone."
Droege, also the host of the show Connecting with Kim, urged lawmakers to pass the bill after seeing numerous residents at her age-restricted community lose money from the financial exploitations. She, alongside, Hillsborough County Deputy Jeff Merry, spoke with lawmakers during the legislative session in Tallahassee.
"The devastation that these criminals wreak on our community is heartbreaking," Droege said.
Just this week, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office warned about a recent rise in phone scams with people posing as deputies. A local man said he was among those who were nearly scammed.
"They're playing off your emotions, so scammers are very good at their game," said Bryan Oglesby, the Better Business Bureau director of public relations and outreach, serving West Florida.
Oglesby said the crime is costing Americans billions of dollars in losses, however, they're underreported.
Within that, Florida reported nearly $300 million in losses from people over the age of 60. That's the second-highest amount reported nationwide behind California.
10 Tampa Bay spoke with an Englewood woman who said she lost her life savings to a scam: A total of $1.3 million.
“It’s vicious,” Merle Lee Korejwo said.
Droege hopes the hard work pays off. It's a crime she said is happening to everyone and happens to more people than one may think.
"They could be your neighbor. They could be your mom," Droege said. "They're just people that have worked hard their whole life, saved, are now trying to enjoy their retirement and some person is trying to take it away from them."
The law takes effect in January 2025 and allows banks to delay transactions for 15 days.
How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from scams?
Oglesby recommends reporting the crime in order to help prevent others from becoming victims.
He suggests hanging up the phone, not responding to questionable messages, or avoid clicking on unverified links whether by phone, text, or email.
Scammers can often pose as government agencies, law enforcement, or company representatives, even from brands one may trust. Oglesby said it's important to go directly to the source and verifying through official lines such as customer service.
He notes scams have become more elaborate throughout the years.
"Everyone can be the subject of a scam and fall victim," Oglesby said. "Scammers are master of persuasion and they take advantage of situations."
For more tips on safety, visit the Better Business Bureau's resource page.