Office of Consumer Protection

Fraud Awareness Week is a coordinated campaign to minimize the impact of fraud by promoting fraud awareness and consumer education. In recognition of this week, Pinellas County Consumer Protection is hosting these free, public events.

Click here for a list of events

“On August 15, 2023, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved Ordinance 23-18, revising Chapter 122 of the code, adding clarifying language and adjusting defined terms; amending section 122-40 relating to maintenance of records and towing agreements; amending section 122-42 establishing towing rates and adjusting various fees; providing for severability; providing for areas embraced; providing for inclusion in the code; providing for an effective date.

The ordinance was filed with the Department of State and was effective on August 21, 2023.”

See new Pinellas County Towing Rates effective August 21, 2023.

The amended ordinance can be viewed here: ARTICLE II.5. – NONCONSENSUAL TOWING AND TRESPASS TOWING FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY/Code of ordinances/Pinellas County, FL/Municode Library

In FY23, Consumer Protection held 104 outreach events aimed at community education to help reduce opportunities for victimization.  Along with targeted presentations, the department events included 3 fraud awareness events with document shredding in collaboration with community partners.

At the September 16, 2023, event, over a 4-hour period, there were 399 residents drove through the event. The event shredded 15,600 pounds of documents and the Sheriff’s Office collected 159 pounds of unused medications. Protecting against fraud, promoting health and safety, and having a positive environmental impact.

Identity Theft Awareness Week shredding event at On Top of the World was held on February 3, 2024. According to staff, cars lined up at 8am all the way down to Sunset Point!  260 vehicles came through and 10 banker boxes of meds collected by PCSO as part of Operation Medicine Cabinet.

In FY23, Consumer Protection received 1,183 complaints for investigation, opened 963 dispute resolution 225 criminal investigation cases, and received $1,247,112.37 in refunds, adjustments, and ordered restitution for residents.

Recent Cases

In recent telemarketing case involving a scam for advanced fees to sell vacant land, Consumer Protection’s investigation included 104 senior victims (ages 80 to 97 each losing between $1,250 to $35,956). There are 2 subjects of the investigation. With the completion of the first case, the judge has ordered one of the largest restitution amounts in a CP case at $1,037,240. (Assigned to FY24 based on ruling date) The second defendant trial is expected in April 2024.

Rental Scams Initiative

Responding to increased rental scams, Consumer Protection initiated a proactive program to identify and remove fraudulent online rental advertisements targeting the Pinellas housing market. In the first year, April 2022 through March 2023, department investigations identified 200 fraudulent advertisements which were flagged and removed from online sites to prevent victimization. CP continues to spot check activity on this issue.

Performed Human Trafficking signage compliance inspections at 581 different establishments in FY23.