Consumer Advocate

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

Consumer Advocate RSS feeds

Package Delivery Scams May Contain Malware

Amid the seasonal hustle and bustle, Ohioans should be on the lookout for package delivery scams, which typically rise at this time of year. Discover how to identify these scams and to avoid malware embedded in such scam emails and texts.

12/8/2021

Be on the Alert: Advanced-Fee Loan Scams

Consumers throughout Ohio are reporting losing money to advanced-fee loan scams. In some cases, they send hundreds of dollars out of the country for loans that, in truth, are nonexistent. 

10/13/2021

Warning: “Free Trial” Offers May Be Costly

These days, many types of products can be purchased through supposed “free trial” offers. Often, these offers come with terms including automatic renewals, which can result in significant costs to unsuspecting consumers.

10/13/2021

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Learn the Red Flags of a Phishing Scam

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and a perfect time to review the warning signs that a con artist is trying to get you to divulge personal information.

10/13/2021

Ohio Attorney General Offers Online Shopping Advice

With the holiday season approaching, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office is sharing tips on shopping online, identifying false reviews and understanding return policies.

10/13/2021

Beware of Cryptocurrency Scams

If you are considering investing in cryptocurrency, make sure you understand how it works and keep up on emerging cryptocurrency scams. Cryptocurrency is a form of payment that can be exchanged online for goods and services. Common types of cryptocurrency are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Tether and Polkadot. Cryptocurrencies work using a technology called blockchain, which is a technology spread across many computers that manages and records transactions. 

8/4/2021

Learn About Payment Methods Used in Scams; Some Victims Who Paid Through MoneyGram Now Eligible for Refunds

Fraud can be difficult to detect, but recognizing the payment methods often used by con artists can help you spot a scam. Also, if you paid a scammer using MoneyGram between 2013 and 2017, read on for important info about a potential refund opportunity.

8/4/2021

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.

8/4/2021

Consumer Protection Tips for Sales Tax Holiday, Back-to-School Shopping

Don’t miss your chance to save on back-to-school shopping this year. The sales tax holiday runs from Friday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021.

8/4/2021

Booking Travel? Do Your Research and Beware of Scams

Ready to get back to traveling? As more Ohioans are and as the summer months approach, consumers are advised to research any new COVID-19 policies and learn how to dodge scammers who would cheat travelers out of long-awaited vacations.

6/7/2021

Consumer Wins

AG Yost’s Consumer Protection Section protects Ohioans from predatory and illegal business practices by enforcing state laws. Read about this month’s big win that got money returned to an Ohioan just like you. 

6/7/2021

Beware of New COVID-19 Scams

With vaccines available to all Ohioans age 12 and up, scammers are moving on to new COVID-19 scams. Read on to learn how con artists are scheming and how they are trying to steal consumers’ personal information.

6/7/2021

Puppy Scammers Target Unsuspecting Consumers

Looking for a new canine companion? Before shopping for a puppy, be sure to learn about how puppy scams have cost some would-be pet owners, leaving them out hundreds of dollars and with no new puppy friend to show for it.

6/7/2021

Upcoming Webinar Among Ways That Attorney General’s Office Fights Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 28, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Elder Abuse Commission and Elder Justice Unit are ready to spread the word to protect seniors. A free webinar – approved for 3 hours of CEU for social workers and counselors – will explore new efforts to prevent elder abuse.

6/7/2021

The Basics of Buying a Used Car

The combination of stimulus payments and income tax refunds may lead some families to consider buying a used car. Motor vehicles are consistently the top complaint category reported to the Consumer Protection Section. Read on for tips on buying a used car.

4/13/2021

AG Yost Reminds Parents How to Protect Children from Identity Theft

A new video explains to parents throughout Ohio the importance of protecting their children from identity theft through initiating freezes on their credit reports.

4/13/2021

Attorney General Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Robocall Enforcement Unit

In March 2021, Attorney General Dave Yost celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Robocall Enforcement Unit. Read on to learn about the progress this unit has made toward making Ohio the toughest state for robocallers to operate in.

4/13/2021

Watch Out for Home Improvement Scammers

Home improvement scammers often ask for large down payments but simply take the money and run, leaving homeowners with no repairs and no refunds. Then, they move on to another customer to repeat their scheme.
 

4/13/2021

Robocall Enforcement Unit, New Reporting Tool Now Available for Consumers

On March 4, Attorney General Dave Yost announced the formation of a Robocall Enforcement Unit and the development of a tool that lets consumers report malicious robocalls to his office.

6/10/2020

Don’t Fall For Romance Scams This Valentine’s Day

If celebrating Valentine’s Day has you ready to meet your next potential mate, be careful of scammers lurking on dating websites, social media and virtual chat rooms.

2/9/2021

Top Complaints of 2020

In 2020, the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section received over 24,000 complaints. Read on to learn the top complaint categories handled last year and more.

2/9/2021

AG Yost Issues Warning to Ohioans to Watch for Covid-19 Vaccine Scams

While much of the news involving COVID-19 vaccines is positive and welcomed by Ohioans, scammers are plotting their latest scams to take your personal information and money. Read on for help to protect yourself.

2/9/2021

Ohio Attorney General Launches Animated Scam Video Series

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office launched a new multi-media outreach initiative to increase Ohioans’ awareness of COVID-19 scams, identity theft and red flags of scams. Read on for details about this new initiative.

2/9/2021

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Unfortunately, data breaches are all too common these days. Now more than ever, then, Ohioans should take precautions against identity theft.

12/8/2020

Getting A New Device? Take Steps to Secure It and Stay Safe

If a new electronic device is on your wish list or that of a loved one, don’t forget to look for red flags before downloading any apps and to review key elements of an app’s privacy policy. These and other tips can help protect both the device and its owner.

12/8/2020

Watch Out For False Promises When Fulfilling New Year’s Resolutions

Does your New Year’s resolution include losing weight or getting in shape? You’re not alone. Be sure to protect yourself as a consumer when signing up for a gym membership or buying nutritional products.
 

12/8/2020

What To Know About Giving Gift Cards

Gift cards are popular presents during the year-end holiday season. But not all gift cards are alike. Before making any purchases, you should understand some basics about gift cards, including card expiration dates and signs of potential scams.

12/8/2020

Watch Out for Energy Scams and Learn Where to Get Assistance

Ohioans should be on the alert for scammers posing as utility company representatives, and threatening to discontinue service to the customer unless the consumer provides personal information or immediate payment for utility service. Read on to learn more about these utility scams as well as where to turn if you need payment assistance.

10/14/2020
Displaying results 57-84 (of 429)
 |<  <  1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10  >  >|