Florida Launches Operation Senior Shield to Protect Older Adults from Scams and Exploitation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2025
CONTACT: Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Office of Communications

Florida Launches Operation Senior Shield to Protect Older Adults from Scams and Exploitation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and Florida Department of Elder Affairs
(DOEA) Secretary Michelle Branham announced the launch of Operation Senior Shield (OSS), a new,
statewide initiative designed to protect older Floridians from the growing threat of scams, fraud, and financial exploitation.

Operation Senior Shield provides older adults, caregivers, and families with fast, free scam alerts, enhanced statewide coordination with law enforcement, and critical tools to stay informed and secure. This initiative reflects Florida's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its rapidly growing senior population while simultaneously empowering them to recognize and quickly respond to threats.

Lieutenant Governor Collins highlighted the importance of swift and aggressive action, stating, "Our seniors have spent their lives serving their families and communities, and they deserve to be protected from criminals who target them. Operation Senior Shield is our answer to that threat and a mission to keep seniors safe. Too many older Floridians are being targeted by scammers, and it is time to push back and take this fight directly to them."

Lieutenant Governor Collins continued, "With real-time alerts, a statewide fraud strike team, and tools that help seniors recognize scams before they happen, we are putting the power back in their hands. Florida is not an easy target on my watch. I am grateful to Secretary Branham and Governor DeSantis for backing this effort as we work to protect the people who mean so much to our state."

Secretary Michelle Branham emphasized the personal impact of this exploitation and the urgency behind the new program. "As a state, we recognize how serious - and how personal - this issue is for so many Florida families," said Secretary Branham. "When a senior is targeted or exploited, it doesn't just affect their bank account - it shakes their dignity, their confidence, and their sense of security. I've seen firsthand what that looks like for someone I love, and it stays with you. That is why Operation Senior Shield means so much to me. We are taking decisive action to push back, stay ahead of these criminals, and give our seniors the protection and peace of mind they deserve."

Operation Senior Shield delivers a comprehensive defense strategy, including:

• Real-Time Scam Alerts: A free alert system delivering timely, critical information on scams circulating
  in Florida and across the nation. Seniors and caregivers will receive advanced notice of threats before
  scammers reach their door, inbox, or phone.