Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians about a new scam in the crypto world.
Known as “pig butchering” or “pig slaughtering,” the scam lures victims into dumping more money into fake cryptocurrency investments to “fatten them up” before a scammer takes the money and runs.
This con is reportedly most often perpetrated on dating sites and social media as a new form of a romance scam.
“In Florida, we embrace emerging technology and innovation, but consumers must always stay on guard for scams especially as new financial products like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies become increasingly popular,” Patronis said.
“Reports say cryptocurrency scams have bilked millions out of unsuspecting crypto investors; many of which were scammed through online dating apps over the course of several months. Just like with any major financial decision, consumers should do research and never transfer funds to someone you think is suspicious, untrustworthy, and whose identity you haven’t verified. You may as well kiss your money goodbye.”
The CFO also highlighted three red flags for cryptocurrency scams from the Federal Trade Commission: Only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency; only scammers will guarantee profits or big returns; and never mix online dating and investment advice.
Evening Reads
—“What’s behind Senate Republicans’ hesitancy toward same-sex marriage?” via Monica Potts of FiveThirtyEight
—“‘History is repeating itself.’ Are Ron DeSantis policies stoking racial divisions?” via C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald
—“After 16 Florida elections, Charlie Crist gears up for one more” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
—”Florida Governor Primary Q&A: Crist” via Heather Moya of Florida Political Review
—”Florida Governor Primary Q&A: Nikki Fried” via Jennifer Sholi of Florida Political Review
—“The dizzying realities of battling cancer: First Lady announces launch of Florida cancer resource site” via Danielle J. Brown of the Florida Phoenix
—“Lake Ray’s estranged sister donates to HD 16 Primary opponent” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—“‘Outright lies’: Lake’s GOP election chief blasts voting misinformation from fellow Republicans” via Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel
—“Florida will not declare a state of emergency over monkeypox, DeSantis says” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
—“Hollywood’s recession hedge: Lean on IRL businesses” via Alex Weprin and Caitlin Huston of The Hollywood Reporter
Quote of the Day
“We’re not going to go back to (Anthony) Fauci in the ’80s trying to tell families they are going to catch AIDS by watching TV together.”
— Gov. Ron DeSantis, saying he will not declare a state of emergency over monkeypox.
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