TL:DR Protect Floridians from Gift Card Scams by creating disclaimers in the gift card sections that warn against buying said item for unknown third parties to pay fees, debts, etc.

Scamming has been on the rise. Hundreds of thousands of individuals are affected every year. Chief amongst those that are hurt by this vile practice are vulnerable communities such as seniors. According to the FBI's 2021 Elder's Fraud Report, there were more than 92,000 reported cases of fraud by seniors. The losses sustained by this group resulted in a staggering $1,685,017,829. Of that total, $224,205,716 was lost by senior Floridians alone. This total loss was the second highest in our nation - second only to California. 

It's no secret that Florida is a prime target for scammers. The scammers will utilize a myriad of tactics to scare and manipulate residents into paying for their crimes. Common tactics used would be the impersonation of the IRS, the local Sheriffs Department, an online love interest, and more. What's similar about all of these attempts is the payout stage. Thankfully there are only a few ways for Scammers to be paid, which means we know their exits. When it comes time to pay, Scammers will often utilize Cryptocurrency, advanced fee deposits, and Gift Cards. According to the FTC, in 2021 there were over 40,000 reported cases of gift cards being used for fraudulent means, resulting in a national $148,000,000 loss. This method seems to be preferred for ease of use and ease of discretion, but it is where I propose we fight. By signing this petition, you show your support for the potential safeguard of tens of millions of dollars and the protection of our seniors, vulnerable groups, and our every day citizens.

I have proposed to my local representative the following: Introduce non-invasive legislation in our state laws that would mandate all businesses that sell gift cards to display a clear-view disclaimer warning of the dangers of purchasing Gift Cards for unknown third parties to pay off 'fees' or 'due taxes' etc. within the Gift Card Section. This disclaimer would also include a phone number to local departments responsible for the well being of the consumer. Furthermore it would require cashiers and self-help kiosks to reiterate this disclaimer for all consumers purchasing a gift card, so that we might stem the tide of ill gotten gains to nefarious individuals around the world. This problem is only getting worse annually, and for every year we refuse to act, we see record loss after record loss. Show your support today to protect Florida, to protect your friends, to protect your loved ones.