Consumer Advocate 

If you are turning to social media to resolve an issue with a business, proceed cautiously. According to an alert from the Better Business Bureau, scammers are known to respond to such public requests for help by creating phony accounts and contacting consumers posing as the business to try to steal personal and financial information. Check out all the details, including tips to avoid this type of impostor scam, by reviewing this alert.
 

This year, the sales-tax holiday will last 14 days – from Friday Aug. 1 through Thursday Aug. 14. The event permits tax-free purchases online and in person on all eligible items totaling up to $500 per item.

For questions about the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday, call the Department of Taxation at 1-888-405-4039.

AI is changing our world, sometimes making things seem more convincing than ever. Consumers should be aware of how scammers are using AI.

Impostors are creating phony licenses, credentials and seals to assume the role of legitimate professionals. There are ways to validate a licensed professional.

Now more than ever, scammers are using cryptocurrency to steal money from unwitting consumers. If you become a victim, you should know what actions to take.

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is important to be able to recognize the warning signs of financial abuse that targets older adults.

For more consumer protection resources, visit www.OhioProtects.org.
 

There are ample resources to help you both research companies before buying a vehicle and know what to do if you have a dispute with a business.

Before purchasing a vehicle, you should consider your budget, the dealership’s reputation, any included warranties and what to do if something goes wrong.

Do you ever wonder how and why people get scammed? This article explores some of the tactics scammers use to convince consumers that what they are “selling” is real.

Learn how to protect yourself against home repair scams when recovering from a storm, tornado, flood or other natural disaster.

Consumers who feel that a business has treated them unfairly can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Section’s complaint unit. Our office provides informal dispute resolution.

If Valentine’s Day has you motivated to meet someone special, be careful of con artists. Bad actors may try to romance you into a fake financial investment.
 

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office (AGO) recognized Data Privacy Week in late January by sharing tips for keeping your data safe and secure.
 

Are you ready to tackle your 2024 tax return? We offer some pre-filing guidance.

Many scammers are using social media to take advantage of consumers. You can fight back – and avoid falling prey to bad actors – by learning how to spot social-media scams.

Fake QR codes are sometimes used to trick consumers into visiting phony websites to steal personal information and money. To protect yourself, you need to know what to look for when surfing the web.

Tech toys for young people are popular gift options, but they come with privacy and safety concerns. Parents have options, including what data about your child is shared.

Need to buy a last-minute holiday gift? The Ohio Attorney General’s Office offers tips for avoiding purchase- and shipping-notification scams.

Data breaches at various companies have made the news lately. As consumers, it is important to understand what a data breach is and what it means to have your personal information compromised.

Are you planning to shop online this holiday season? If so, it helps to know what to look for in an online retailer to improve your chances of being a satisfied shopper.

If you’re planning to travel during the holiday season, we have some tips and considerations regarding flight, hotels and travel insurance.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Attorney General Dave Yost wants to help Ohioans be safer online. To that end, Yost’s office identifies specific areas in which consumers can improve their online security.

Impostor scams are on the rise, with fraudsters frequently posing as government agencies, companies or charities. Learn more about a recent impostor scam reported by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

Are you a parent trying to navigate, monitor or manage your children’s use of social media? If so, a new publication by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office might be just what you need. Read on for more details.

If a debt collector contacts you, it’s crucial to understand your rights and identify whether the collector is legitimate or a scam artist looking for a victim.

This is the season for concerts, sporting events and outdoor festivals. Be on the lookout for deals too good to be true.

Impostors who claim to have spotted fraud or criminal activity on your bank or investment account can end up emptying your life savings under the guise of “protecting” your money.

Remember: If you’re asked to move your money to protect it, it’s likely a scam.