By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
A threatening phone call, a text promising easy money, a pop-up warning that your computer has been compromised: these are just a few of the tactics scammers use to manipulate victims, often with devastating financial consequences.
As online scams become increasingly sophisticated, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is inviting area residents to learn how to protect themselves at a free Artificial Intelligence and Crypto Scam Awareness Workshop on Nov. 17. The program, which is open to all SouthShore area residents, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Veterans Theater, 1900 Clubhouse Drive in Sun City Center. Doors open at 9 a.m.
Door prizes and refreshments will be provided, and vendors will be on hand to offer information and raffle prizes.
The workshop, presented in partnership with Community Foundation Tampa Bay, will bring together a panel of experts, including Mike Lennon, of the Florida State Attorney’s Office; Anthony Cabello, of Florida Securities Dealers and Advisors; Chad Hicks, of Robinhood; and Drew Vaughn, of Deviant Marketing, who will discuss the common warning signs of fraud, including fake tech-support schemes, fraudulent links, urgent pop-up messages and cryptocurrency scams designed to appear trustworthy.
Attendees will learn practical strategies for avoiding scams, such as verifying information through official sources, refusing unsolicited requests for remote computer access and taking time to investigate before responding to urgent demands.
Organizers say one of the most effective defenses against fraud is simply slowing down. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure potential victims into acting before they have time to think or verify a claim. The panel will reveal how to spot those tactics and make informed decisions before sharing personal information or money.
The numbers are staggering. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, 52,293 Florida residents reported more than $1.58 billion in internet-crime losses in 2025, ranking the state third in the nation.
Investment scams accounted for $678.6 million of those losses, cryptocurrency-related crimes accounted for $339.2 million and tech-support scams, $179.3 million.
But statistics tell only part of the story. The impact is being felt close to home.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Master Deputy Jeff Merry reports that, in Sun City Center alone, residents lost more than $13 million to scammers in 2025.
“People of all ages are scammed, but seniors are often targeted because criminals believe they have access to accumulated savings and are more likely to respond to unsolicited calls, texts and emails,” Merry said.
Many victims lose not only their life’s savings but also their independence, dignity and peace of mind.
The good news is that scams can actually be avoided by knowing the warning signs and taking the time to verify suspicious messages, calls and online requests.
This workshop is designed to give all South Shore residents the tools they need to do just that.
For more information, call 813-242-5515.