Public Safety

Alachua County scam losses on track to reach nearly $9M in 2026, sheriff warns

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office held a public forum Monday warning that residents are projected to lose nearly $9 million to fraud and scams in 2026, a rise of more than 25% over last year’s $6.8 million in losses. Sheriff Chad Scott noted that scam-related losses already exceed combined losses from theft, burglary, criminal mischief, and vehicle break-ins, and that artificial intelligence is making fraudsters harder to detect. Older residents are considered especially vulnerable, and the nonprofit Elder Options was highlighted as a resource for victims.

Sources: Mainstreet Daily News · The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20 · The Independent Florida Alligator