In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week (March 1-7), Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office has coordinated a wide range of activities to warn consumers about unfair business practices and scams and to help them understand their consumer rights.
Because scammers use cleverly designed phone calls to trick consumers into providing personal information or payment, the Attorney General is launching a new “Phone Scams” publication this week. The publication is designed for consumers to display next to their telephone, providing helpful information about common phone scams, warning signs, and how to handle suspicious calls.
In an effort to protect Ohio families, specifically older adults, the publication is being mailed to nursing homes throughout the state.
This week, Attorney General DeWine also is announcing the winners of the sixth annual Take Action Video Contest, which raises awareness about consumer issues by inviting high school students to create short videos about consumer scams, cybersecurity, or identity theft.
Ohio high school students submitted more than 200 video entries in the 2014 contest.
First place went to Morgan Gale from the Toledo School for the Arts, who won a $2,500 scholarship. Second place went to Alissa Langguth from Mentor High School, who won a $1,500 scholarship. Third place went to Jenny Jiao and Maeve O’Brien from Upper Arlington High School, who won a $1,000 scholarship. Check out the top three winning videos on the
Ohio Attorney General’s website.
Attorney General DeWine encourages Ohioans to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week by attending an upcoming consumer protection event their area. Presentations cover different topics, including cybersecurity, fraud targeting Ohioans, and identity theft. To find an upcoming event in your area, please visit
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/events.
To request a consumer protection presentation in your area or to request free consumer protection publications, visit
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or call 800-282-0515.