Every day, millions of Floridians use social media platforms to stay connected, shop, and share news. But as our lives move increasingly online, so do the scammers. In July 2025, consumer protection agencies and news outlets are warning about a surge in sophisticated social media scams from fake giveaways to phishing links, imposter accounts, romance fraud, and more. According to recent reports, Florida residents lost over $100 million to online scams in the past year alone.
At Moore Payne Law, we’ve seen the devastating impact these scams can have on individuals and families. If you’ve been targeted by an online fraudster, you’re not alone and you may have strong legal options to recover your losses and protect your future.
The Most Common Social Media Scams in Florida
Fraudsters are using new tricks every day, but some of the most frequent social media scams in Florida include:
Phishing and fake links: Scammers send messages or posts that look legitimate, but clicking the link steals your login information or installs malware on your device.
Imposter accounts: Criminals pretend to be friends, family, celebrities, or even businesses, asking for money or personal information.
Fake giveaways or sweepstakes: These promise cash, prizes, or vacations but first, you must pay a “processing fee” or provide sensitive details.
Romance scams: Fraudsters build trust and relationships with victims, then invent an emergency and ask for money.
Online shopping fraud: Ads for must-have products or impossible deals lead to fake online stores, leaving buyers with nothing after sending payment.
With AI-generated content, deepfakes, and increasingly realistic fake profiles, even careful users can become victims.
What Are Your Legal Rights as a Fraud Victim in Florida?
Florida has strong consumer protection laws and some of the toughest anti-fraud statutes in the nation. If you’ve lost money, property, or personal information to an online scam, you may have legal claims for:
Monetary damages: You may be able to recover lost funds or property.
Statutory damages and penalties: In some cases, Florida law allows additional financial penalties against scammers.
Injunctions and restraining orders: Courts can order fraudsters to stop further harassment or remove fake content.
Attorney’s fees and costs: In certain consumer fraud cases, the court may require the scammer to pay your legal fees.
In addition, state and federal authorities like the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and local police all have specialized cybercrime and fraud units. Reporting the scam quickly helps authorities stop the scammer and may strengthen your legal case.
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Steps to Take If You’re a Victim of a Social Media Scam
If you suspect you’ve been scammed on social media, take these steps immediately:
Stop all contact with the scammer. Don’t respond to messages, emails, or calls.
Change your passwords. Secure your email, social media, and financial accounts.
Preserve evidence. Take screenshots, save emails or chats, and document all details.
Report the scam. Contact the platform (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the FTC, and local law enforcement.
Contact Moore Payne Law. Our attorneys can review your case, explain your rights, and take legal action if needed.
How Moore Payne Law Can Help Victims of Social Media Fraud
We know how overwhelming it can feel to be the target of an online scam, especially when banks or platforms refuse to help. At Moore Payne Law, our Florida consumer fraud lawyers provide:
Free consultations to discuss your situation and legal options
Investigation and evidence gathering to build a strong claim
Aggressive negotiation with banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers
Litigation and courtroom representation when needed
Guidance with reporting scams to authorities
We stay up-to-date on the latest trends in social media scams and work hard to hold scammers and negligent platforms accountable for your losses.
Tips to Avoid Social Media Scams
While anyone can be targeted, you can reduce your risk with these tips:
Never share personal or financial information with someone you haven’t met in person
Be skeptical of offers, prizes, or requests for money online, even from “friends”
Double-check URLs, email addresses, and account profiles for subtle misspellings
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is
Contact Moore Payne Law
If you or someone you know has been scammed online, don’t wait. Contact Moore Payne Law today for a free consultation. Our experienced consumer fraud attorneys are here to help Florida residents recover their losses, defend their rights, and fight back against online scammers.
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