Consumer Advocate

Sign up for newsletters and other news
Media > Newsletters > Consumer Advocate

Consumer Advocate RSS feeds

Beware of job scams

Many people who are seeking work-from-home opportunities often turn to the internet to find openings. The online realm, however, is rife with job scammers, so do some research before submitting an application. Read on for more information and tips to avoid job scams.

2/15/2024

The basics of virtual private networks: Is a VPN right for me?

Keeping your personal information safe while online is an important aspect of the modern home and workplace. A virtual private network (VPN) is a key tool for enhancing your online security. This article discusses the purpose of VPNs and whether you would benefit from using one.

2/15/2024

Dollar General settlement brings help to Ohioans

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office finalized an agreement with Dollar General that ensures prices will ring up correctly at the register and also provides funding to food banks and other hunger-relief organizations across Ohio.

2/15/2024

Choosing the right tax preparer

With tax season here, the thought of engaging a tax preparer may cross your mind. Before proceeding take a moment to review this checklist.

2/15/2024

AG Yost’s Meta lawsuit: Company harmed young users’ mental health to boost profits

Find out how the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Legislature are working to ensure a safer environment for Ohio teens on social-media platforms.
 

12/14/2023

Scam trends: Older vs. younger victims

Scams can and do affect people of all ages. Explore the scams that directly target senior citizens or other audiences, including younger adults and teenagers.
 

12/14/2023

Recurring subscriptions: Time for an assessment

The end of one year (and the start of another) is a good time to take stock of your subscriptions with recurring charges. Whether you’re paying for streaming services, a coffee-of-the-month club or other subscriptions, you can save money by canceling any you no longer need or use.
 

12/14/2023

Winter-weather financial help in Ohio

As winter descends on Ohio, residents may face weather-related challenges, including higher heating bills and other expenses. Read on to learn more about assistance options that could help ease the strain on your budget.
 

12/14/2023

How to respond to a data breach

With data breaches becoming increasingly common, many of us have received a notice about our personal information having been compromised. You can learn more about what constitutes a data breach and, more importantly, how to respond to a breach to safeguard your privacy.

10/12/2023

‘Consumer Protection Up Close’

In conjunction with state and federal partners, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office proactively works to combat illegal robocalls. The most recent such efforts include Operation Stop Scam Calls.

10/12/2023

Holiday shopping: Research prices early, and save when you’re ready to buy

It has become a holiday tradition of sorts to see decorations and special sales popping up in retail stores earlier each year. As the holiday season nears, it makes good sense to learn more about smart shopping.

10/12/2023

Beware of “dark patterns” on the internet

Have you ever felt tricked into signing up online for a subscription service or product, then found it difficult to cancel? The culprit might be digital “dark pattern,” which are designed to manipulate online user behavior.

10/12/2023

‘Consumer Protection Up Close’

Earlier this year, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office won a lawsuit filed in 2021 against a northeast Ohio home-improvement contractor and his business, Neil Construction, netting a judgment exceeding $2 million for the state.

8/3/2023

Beware of fake ticket scams

Summer is a popular season for concerts and sporting events, including high-profile attractions that sell out quickly. Don’t be tempted by offers that seem too good to be true. Learn to spot the signs of fake ticket scams.

8/3/2023

Travel safety tips

Vacations are an ideal time to rest and relax – and to explore new locations. Follow these tips to protect your physical safety as well as your personal identification, financial information and digital devices.

8/3/2023

New federal law helps inform consumers about “high-volume” sellers in online marketplaces

Thanks to a new federal law called the INFORM Consumers Act, consumers will see greater transparency when making purchases through online marketplaces.

8/3/2023

Be aware of elder abuse

Each June, Attorney General Yost’s Elder Abuse Commission commemorates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by helping to educate older adults and those who support them about the problems related to all forms of financial abuse, neglect and exploitation.

6/14/2023

‘Consumer Protection Up Close’

Earlier this year, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost sued two used-car dealerships and their owners for allegedly rolling back odometers and selling salvaged, rebuilt vehicles without the legally required disclosures. Learn more about how the Consumer Protection Section protects consumers by taking on dealerships that lie to their customers about the status of vehicles.

6/14/2023

Investors, beware: Investment scams take aim at your money

Scammers are always thinking of new ways to lay claim to your hard-earned dollars. As you look into options for making your money grow, be on guard for investment scams, which can take many forms.

6/14/2023

Don’t get scammed when moving to a new home

A new home often involves hiring a moving company, but watch out for the red flags of a scam so you don’t get defrauded in the process.

6/14/2023

Search-engine results and unexpected costs

Search engines typically make money through advertising, but scam ads sometimes make their way into search-engine results. Learn how to avoid such ads and protect yourself when searching online.

4/10/2023

Door-to-door sales: Know your rights

Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act protects consumers from high-pressure door-to-door sales by providing a three-day “cooling off” period during which a contract can be canceled. Learn more about your rights before that next knock on your front door.

4/10/2023

Vacation-rental scams and how to avoid them

Before booking a summer vacation, learn how to spot vacation-rental scams. Spend a little time researching your vacation destination in order to avoid losing money and ensure a good time.

4/10/2023

‘Consumer Protection Up Close’

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office opened more than 500 civil and criminal investigations in 2022. Likewise, it initiated 43 lawsuits for various unfair, deceptive or unconscionable business practices, and obtained 44 judgments and “assurances of voluntary compliance” that totaled more than $50 million in consumer restitution, civil penalties, costs and other relief for Ohioans. This month, we examine a lawsuit filed in January against a “home warranty” company by our office.

4/10/2023

‘Consumer Protection Up Close'

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office files dozens of consumer protection cases each year to protect all Ohioans and enforce laws enacted to keep them safe in the marketplace. In this occasional column, we examine a home-improvement lawsuit filed in November 2022.

2/8/2023

Choice in tax preparer requires care

With tax season approaching, you may be considering hiring a tax preparer. Before you do, though, review this checklist.

2/8/2023

Tips can help protect your online privacy

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office commemorated Data Privacy Week last month by educating Ohioans on how to maintain their privacy online. Check out these helpful tips.

2/8/2023

Beware of romance scams this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day can be a time to seek out that special someone, and con artists know it. “Sweetheart” scammers may spend countless hours chatting with a victim before requesting money for bogus reasons, such as airfare to visit.

2/8/2023
Displaying results 1-28 (of 429)
 |<  < 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10  >  >|