Attorney General Moody Releases Fast Facts on Fentanyl to Educate Parents About the Dangers of Synthetic Opioids
Attorney General Ashley Moody is releasing a new informational toolkit about protecting children from digital drug dealers during summer break—when kids often spend more time online. The Fast Facts on Fentanyl Toolkit highlights how drug dealers utilize social media to sell illicit substances, and warns that those substances may contain deadly amounts of synthetic opioids. Attorney General Moody encourages Floridians to download the free toolkit and learn about synthetic opioids—including the emerging threat of Nitazenes.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Drug dealers are utilizing the internet to conduct their illicit business—often using social media to pressure children into purchasing deadly substances. Minors may be increasingly susceptible to digital dealers during the summer, when they may spend more time online. That is why I am releasing Fast Facts on Fentanyl to help parents talk to their children about the dangers of drug use. Sadly, we are reminded almost daily that one pill laced with fentanyl can kill. I hope this resource can help families better understand the risks associated with drug use and avoid tragedy.”
The Fast Facts on Fentanyl Toolkit highlights the dangers of fentanyl:
- The synthetic opioid is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine;
- Just two milligrams can be lethal;
- Four out of every 10 pills found containing fentanyl have a potentially lethal dose; and
- Counterfeit pills have been identified in all 50 states.
The toolkit also delves into the most popular social media applications, what the average age group is for each app and a detailed list of emojis used as codes in online conversations regarding illicit drug transactions. Here are some examples of emojis used to communicate about drugs:
- Prescription Drugs
- Dealer Advertising
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
The Fast Facts on Fentanyl Toolkit shows how dangerous illicit drugs can be, including the highly-lethal synthetic opioids that Attorney General Moody recently emergency scheduled known as Nitazenes.
To view Fast Facts on Fentanyl Toolkit, go to http://www.myfloridalegal.com.
Attorney General Moody developed the Dose of Reality Florida website for Floridians to learn how to find help and how to spot someone who may be abusing drugs. The site serves as a one-stop resource to obtain information about the dangers of opioid misuse, how to receive support for addiction and where to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs. To learn more about Dose of Reality Florida, go to http://www.myfloridalegal.com.
Attorney General Moody Alerts Florida Wire-Fraud Victims to Reimbursement Opportunity
Attorney General Ashley Moody is alerting Florida wire-fraud victims to a reimbursement opportunity. Victims who were tricked into wiring money to scammers through Western Union, between Jan. 1, 2004 and Jan. 19, 2017, may be entitled to financial reimbursement from Western Union. Claims must be submitted on or before July 1, 2022. As many as 36,000 Floridians may be eligible for up to $40 million as part of the Western Unions claims process.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “There are millions of dollars available to victims of scammers who utilized Western Union as part of their unlawful schemes—but action must be taken soon. If you believe you are eligible, please file a claim by July 1.”
According to an investigation, the scheme targeted victims using a multitude of scams including grandparent scams, lottery scams, romance scams and others. The fraudster would convince a target to wire money using Western Union and never provide the victim with the promised items, rewards or services.
Eligible Floridians looking to file a claim should be wary of additional reimbursement scams and consider the tips below to avoid falling prey:
- Know that payment is not necessary to file a claim;
- Be wary that phone numbers and emails can be spoofed to appear from a trusted source;
- Never send money to someone who insists on helping you file a claim; and
- Contact Western Union or the Federal Trade Commission using the contact information on the organizations’ websites if suspicious of a possible reimbursement-related scam.
Western Union mailed a Petition for Remission Form to identified victims. If a consumer did not receive the pre-filed petition, but believes they are eligible for reimbursement, additional filing information can be found at https://consumer.ftc.gov
To view other recent consumer alerts, visit our Consumer Alert webpage at MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.
