Southwest Florida residents urged to spot fraud warning signs

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Fraudsters are targeting Southwest Florida residents year-round, and a retired FBI agent is sharing critical warning signs to help people protect themselves.

People must stay vigilant because fraudsters never stop. Constant awareness is essential to avoid becoming a victim.

FBI Special Agent Rebecca Keithley outlined several red flags that indicate a potential fraud attempt.

"Fear is probably the number one red flag," Keithley said.

She explained that fraudsters often create a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly. They may claim someone will miss an incredible investment opportunity, lose a new romance, or face arrest if they don't act immediately.

"If the person requesting payment is demanding that you keep the interaction secret, that's a red flag," Keithley said.

Unusual payment methods are another warning sign. Keithley said requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold bars, or cash pickups by courier are major red flags.

"If someone is requesting payment from you and the justification doesn't make sense, that's a red flag, and the intention behind that is to confuse the targeted victim and to put them into that autopilot mode so they act without thinking," Keithley said.

She advised anyone who identifies these red flags to pause, breathe, and create distance from the interaction before taking any action.

Everyone should remain suspicious to protect their data, identity, and money. Florida ranked third in losses and cybercrime reports in 2024, and authorities don't expect the 2025 numbers to improve.