In March, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Miami County Prosecutor Gary Nasal announced the guilty plea of the ringleader of a telemarketing fraud scheme that stole millions of dollars from thousands of victims across the country.
In a typical phishing scam, a con artist pretends to be an employee of your bank or a government agency and asks you to confirm account information by submitting your bank account number, password, or Social Security number. The scammer hopes you will fall for the scam and reveal personal information.
When making a purchase, consumers often face a choice of whether to use cash or credit. What is the difference between these payment methods, and how do they affect the real cost of the items you buy?
Be careful when purchasing used cars. Flood-damaged vehicles from areas ravaged by Hurricane Sandy may be making their way to Ohio and other areas.
National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is March 3–9, 2013, and this year Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is joining other government and nonprofit organizations in Ohio and across the country to help consumers learn to protect their information and understand their rights.
Does a security breach mean an identity theft has occurred? Does most identity theft happen online? Identity theft is a popular topic, but it’s often misunderstood. To protect yourself, make sure you understand a few key facts and what to do if your identity is stolen.
If you have unclaimed funds in your name, you don’t have to hire a professional to try to recover them. Be wary of individuals or websites that tell you otherwise.
Beware of a recent computer scam that tricks consumers into sending money and revealing personal information.
During tax season, take extra precautions to protect your identity and beware of “instant” tax refunds.
Among the more than 30,000 complaints the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section received in 2012 were many reports of potential scams. They ranged from phony business opportunities or online vehicle scams to sweepstakes ploys and sweetheart scams.
Ohio consumers are reporting vehicle sales fraud involving online marketplaces. Scam artists tell exaggerated stories to lure consumers into wire-transferring large sums of money for vehicles that don’t exist. In most cases, wire transferred funds are nearly impossible to recover. Learn how to identify these scams and protect yourself when shopping for vehicles online.
When cash is in short supply, a payday loan may sound like a wonderful solution. A short-term payday loan can help you purchase what you need before your next paycheck. While you might be tempted to apply for a payday loan if strapped for cash, you may want to think twice.
As you brace yourself for a long Ohio winter, take steps to save money and stay safe.Follow these tips to help ensure your winter-weather transactions go smoothly:
As the holiday season approaches, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine recommends learning to identify scams targeting holiday shoppers.
If you want to obtain a copy of the deed to your home, contact your local county recorder.
Drivers: Beware of ads offering an “International Driver’s License.” In Ohio, there is no such thing as an international driver’s license.
In Ohio, a business can’t advertise products or services as free when the cost of the “free” item is passed on to the consumer.
Consumers throughout the nation are reporting numerous calls from 'Card Member Services' or similar-sounding companies that violate Do Not Call regulations. The best thing you can do? Don’t respond.
As summer reaches its official end, beware of lingering traveling scam artists that come to your door to offer roof repair, driveway paving and sealing, or tree trimming.
You’ve been a loyal customer for years, and now, unexpectedly, you receive a text message saying you’ve won a $1,000 gift card for one of your favorite stores. Is it too good to be true? You bet.
Ohio high school students in grades 9 through 12 can enter to win up to $2,500 in college scholarships by participating in the fourth annual Take Action Video Contest, which will accept submissions from Sept. 17, 2012, to Dec. 14, 2012.
In August, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine sued Larry Foster, an Indiana man who went door to door selling water treatment systems to consumers throughout Ohio.
On July 19, 2012, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and 11 other state attorneys general announced a $14.1 million Consumer Restitution Fund for customers of US Fidelis, a company that was once the nation’s largest vehicle service contract dealer. The firm filed for bankruptcy in 2010.
Just as you should find a doctor before you get sick, it’s a good idea to find a locksmith before you’re locked out. Otherwise, you may end up in an emergency situation with an unscrupulous locksmith.
Purchasing a $20 gift card for just $10, buying a kitchen appliance at half price, and getting your bike tuned up at 40 percent off are some of the many savings that online deal sites offer.
Back-to-school shopping season is in full swing, with notebooks, pencil cases, and binders lining many store aisles. While it can be exciting for children and adults to begin the school year with brand-new items, it also can be expensive. Take time to read advertisements closely and watch for potential scams to avoid the back-to-school buying blues.
Checking your credit reports regularly and applying a security freeze may help you detect or avoid certain types of identity theft.
Although children generally don’t carry around personal identification information such as credit cards or licenses, their identities still can be targeted.