Collier Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel recognizes 2024 International Fraud Awareness Week as Fraud Week Ambassador
Collier County Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel has been recognized as Fraud Week Ambassador for taking the initiative in promoting fraud awareness and community education for this year’s International Fraud Awareness Week from November 17-23, 2024. This annual effort is led by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier anti-fraud training and education provider. As a member of the ACFE and an official Law Enforcement and Government Alliance (LEGA) partner, the Clerk is supporting this week-long effort in her commitment to combat fraud and other cybercrimes.
Commissioner Burt Saunders is proud to sponsor a Board of County Commissioners proclamation in the upcoming November 12 BCC Meeting, recognizing November 17-23, 2024, as International Fraud Awareness Week and the vital role the Clerk’s Office plays in combating fraud in Collier County.
“In the past year, our Office of Inspector General (OIG) has recorded several cases of phone scams and other fraud complaints targeting members of our community. Fraud has increasingly been a significant issue that puts everyone at risk. Fraud awareness and education are becoming even more crucial to our safety,” said Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel.
According to the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report, over 880,000 complaints of internet scams have been reported globally, with an estimated total loss of $12.5 billion in 2023 alone. In the United States, Florida is ranked 3rd as the state with the most recorded number of complaints, with 41,061, followed by Texas 47,305 and California 77, 271.
A total loss of $874,000 was recorded in the state of Florida in 2023 due to various forms of fraud, primarily because they may not be educated on fraudsters’ tactics, or they don’t take the necessary measures to help safeguard against scams. Education is an important part of fraud prevention, the Clerk’s Office has an extensive outreach program, providing guest speakers, educational newsletters, and a complimentary Risk Alert notification system that helps property owners monitor their records.
For more information about increasing awareness and reducing the risk of fraud during International Fraud Awareness Week, explore resources offered by the Collier County Office of Inspector General at CollierClerk.com/inspector-general or visit FraudWeek.com.