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Protect yourself from phone, text and email scams

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.

8/14/2024

New AG publication offers social media tips for parents

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.

8/14/2024

Debt collection: Know your rights

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.

8/14/2024

Best practices for avoiding ticket scams

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

8/14/2024

An effort to “protect” your money may be a ruse to steal it

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.

6/13/2024

Bonus News

OHIO SALES TAX HOLIDAY - GOOD NEWS TO KNOW

This year, the sales-tax holiday will span 10 days – from Tuesday July 30 through Thursday Aug. 8. The event permits tax-free online and in-person purchases on all eligible items up to $500 per item. Though traditionally associated with back-to-school purchases, the holiday includes many other items. The few exceptions include boats, automobiles, liquor, tobacco, vapor products and items containing marijuana.

6/13/2024

Obituary “pirates” target personal info on deceased relatives, survivors

Be cautious about the information you include in a loved one’s obituary because “pirates” use personal information posted online to steal identities. Scammers might also exploit information provided on surviving family members.

6/13/2024

Summer fairs, festivals and expos: Consumer precautions and protections

It’s important to know your rights when signing up for contests or purchasing items at summertime fairs, festivals, expositions and similar events.

6/13/2024

Have credit-card debt? Beware of “relief” scams

If you carry a credit-card balance from month to month, you’re already paying extra in finance charges and interest. Debt-relief scams can end up costing you even more.

6/13/2024

Man indicted in Coshocton County for gift-card counterfeiting scheme

In January 2024, a grand jury indicted a man on more than 300 felony charges linked to a gift-card counterfeiting operation.

4/11/2024

Beware of deepfake celebrity-endorsement scams

Viral videos featuring celebrity endorsements on social media can be deceiving. Many are fabricated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Learn to recognize these so-called deepfake videos to safeguard your personal information and finances and to avoid falling victim to such scams.

4/11/2024

Watch out for home-improvement scams

Spring is a time when many homeowners start thinking about – and making – home improvements. Before hiring anyone to work on your home, make research a top priority. You’ll protect yourself from potential scams by staying informed and vigilant.

4/11/2024

Maximize your tax refund

If you’re planning to use your tax refund for a major purchase or repair, it’s important to carefully explore financing options to ensure responsible spending. The key is maximizing the benefits to enhance your financial stability.

4/11/2024

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
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