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BONUS TIP YOU CAN USE:

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.
 

6/10/2025

OHIO SALES TAX HOLIDAY – GOOD NEWS TO KNOW

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.

6/11/2025

Artificial intelligence is being used in consumer scams

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

6/11/2025

Keep your guard up for phony government licenses and credentials

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

6/11/2025

Cryptocurrency fraud: What to do after a financial loss

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.

6/11/2025

Can you spot the signs of financial abuse against older adults?

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.

6/11/2025

BONUS TIP YOU CAN USE

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

4/9/2025

Tips for researching a business, dealing with potential problems

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.

4/9/2025

Things to consider when purchasing a vehicle

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

4/9/2025

The psychology of a scam

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.

4/9/2025

Watch out for weather-related scams

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

4/9/2025

2024 Consumer Protection overview

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.

2/12/2025

Valentine’s Day romance scams

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.
 

2/12/2025

Focus on data privacy

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

2/12/2025

Due diligence during tax season

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

2/12/2025

Stay social without being scammed

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.

12/11/2024

Be careful where you click

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.

12/11/2024

Tech toys for kids raise privacy, safety concerns

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.

12/11/2024

Last-minute holiday shoppers: Beware of scams

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

12/11/2024

Data breaches: How consumers can respond to help prevent identity theft

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.

10/9/2024

Online shopping: Know the seller

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.

10/9/2024

Important tips for planning holiday travel

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

10/9/2024

Four steps to being safer in cyberspace

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.

10/9/2024

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
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