By Sarah Hagen, broadcast on WTSP on April 2, 2015

Experts warn if you live in Florida expect to be a target of scams. Be skeptical. Be tough. Get educated about how to avoid frauds, and to report them.

And why does our state dominate the nation for fraud complaints?

"Unfortunately Florida is the epicenter for scams, for so many of our neighbors," says U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who says even she's been targeted. "I got a robo call that said: This is the IRS, you're being audited."

Florida ranks No. 1 for reported fraud - with 1,007.3 complaints. Georgia was second with 777 and Nevada was third with 773.

Castor says don't be so trusting, even her own mother was victimized. "Her computer was hacked and an email went out to her friends: 'I'm stranded in Africa and cannot get a hold of the embassy, please send money.'"

Research shows several reasons Florida is a problem state including, it's a transient state and there's a concentration of seniors here who are often targeted.

Seniors listened at a Consumer Protection & Fraud Prevention Workshop at the Barksdale Senior Center this week for tips on how to take control.

Federal Trade Commission Director Derick Rill said, "I you are being contacted and didn't initiate, I'd be very suspicious."