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Attorney General DeWine, FTC, and Illinois AG Announce $22 Million Settlement with Credit Monitoring Service

The business that owns ScoreSense has agreed to change its business practices and pay $22 million to resolve claims that it deceptively marketed its online credit monitoring services, according to an agreement recently announced by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, the Federal Trade Commission, and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. 

12/9/2014

Five Tips to Put Safety First When Shopping Online

Every year it seems more consumers are shopping for the holidays online for all different types of products and services. In fact, for many Ohioans, shopping online has become second nature. Consumers use apps on their smart phones, have their favorite online stores bookmarked, and compare prices online with those offered by traditional “brick and mortar” stores. 

12/9/2014

Don’t Get Burned When Hiring a Holiday Light Installer

Have you ever considered paying a professional to hang your outdoor holiday lights? While relying on a pro may add a special sparkle to your home’s holiday décor, be sure to do your homework before allowing an expert to do any work on your property. 

12/9/2014

Don’t Get Caught in a ‘Spear Phishing’ Scam

The next time you check your email inbox, look carefully — it might contain a targeted message that a con artist designed just for you. 

11/10/2014

Avoid Falling Victim to Health Insurance Scams

Planning to make changes to your health insurance? Make sure you don’t stumble into a scam.

11/10/2014

Attorney General DeWine Announces National Settlement with AT&T Mobility

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, along with other state attorneys general and federal agencies, recently announced a national settlement with AT&T Mobility LLC to resolve allegations that it placed unauthorized third-party charges on consumers’ cell phone bills in a practice known as “mobile cramming.”

11/10/2014

Attorney General DeWine Warns Ohioans of Scams on Social Media

While many scams begin with a phone call or door-to-door visit, others attract potential victims through postings on popular social media websites and apps.

11/10/2014

Fight Back Against Fraud: Arm Yourself with Information

When it comes to fighting fraud, the best offense is a good defense, which is why the Attorney General’s Office offers a wide range of consumer protection presentations to educate older adults about the latest trends and scams. Representatives from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office are available to provide important information about fraud, cybersecurity, identity theft and, most importantly, how to protect yourself and your wallet. 

10/8/2014

What to Know When Purchasing Hearing Aids

Consumers should consider many things when buying hearing aids, including the cost, technology used, and comfort of the product. While many companies promise to provide a great product, it is important for consumers to review their consumer rights before making a purchase.

10/8/2014

Grandparent Scams Continue to Target Ohioans

Attorney General Mike DeWine is reminding Ohioans to watch out for grandparent scams, a costly telephone ploy in which con artists pose as grandchildren in need.

10/8/2014

Attorney General DeWine’s Elder Justice Initiative

Attorney General Mike DeWine formed a new Elder Justice Initiative within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to increase the investigation and prosecution of elder abuse cases and improve victims’ access to services.

10/8/2014

Take Action Video Contest Kicks Off

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is calling on Ohio high school students to participate in the sixth annual Take Action Video Contest and produce a 60-second video warning fellow Ohioans about scams, cybersecurity threats, and identity theft.

9/18/2014

AG’s Office Helps Make Case in Romance Scam

The work of Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Economic Crimes Unit, a division of the Consumer Protection Section, helped lead to the indictment of a Maryland man on charges related to a romance scam aimed at defrauding elderly individuals of more than $1.1 million.

9/18/2014

Steer Clear of Asphalt Pavement Scams

While the temperature remains moderate, Ohioans are likely seeing no shortage of home improvement contractors in their neighborhoods. Recently, a number of consumers have reported concerns about asphalt pavers and sealers going door-to-door offering services but performing shoddy work or not completing the work as promised.

9/18/2014

AG DeWine Seeks Restitution from Laser Liposuction Business

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit against Wellness Laser and Med Spa LLC, which operates in central and northeast Ohio, for unfair and deceptive business practices. The Attorney General is seeking consumer restitution, an injunction to stop further violations, and civil penalties.

9/18/2014

Check Your Library for New Scam Prevention Tools

The Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section has developed a new program to help protect Ohio’s seniors from fraud. The Senior Advocate Fraud Education (SAFE) program educates seniors, caregivers, social workers, and families about fraud and scams that target seniors. As part of the program, the Attorney General’s Office is distributing SAFE toolkits to more than 700 public libraries throughout Ohio.

8/14/2014

Fake Check Scams Target Individuals Selling Products Online

Individuals using online marketplaces to sell products may get more than they asked for when they receive an email from a “buyer” offering more money than the posted selling price.

8/14/2014

How to Handle Unwanted Phone Calls

Reports to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office indicate that unwanted phone calls continue to be a nuisance for many consumers. Because such intrusions have the potential to rob people of time and money, the Attorney General’s Office works hard to educate consumers on how to reduce unwanted calls.

8/14/2014

Back-to-School Shopping Tips

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 new items, it can also be expensive. Take time to read advertisements closely and watch for potential scams to avoid back-to-school-buying blues that may violate your rights.

8/14/2014

Ohio Cracks Down on Military Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission ranks identity theft as one of the top military consumer complaints in the nation, prompting Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine to push for harsher penalties for those who commit identity fraud and theft against active-duty service members and their spouses.

7/16/2014

There’s No Better Time to Learn about the Patriot Program

To commemorate today’s observance of Military Consumer Protection Day, celebrated this year on July 16, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office encourages active-duty service members to learn about the office’s Patriot Program.

7/16/2014

How to Avoid Debt-Collection Scams

Complaints filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office suggest that scammers continue to contact military families and other Ohioans with phony debt-collection ploys. Recently, people who have applied for or inquired into payday loans have been targeted.

7/16/2014

Understanding Short-Term Loans

Wherever they currently call home, military service members are sure to see advertisements and storefronts promoting payday advances and other types of short-term loans. Generally, payday loans are between $100 and $500. If service members are tight on cash, it may be tempting to get a short-term loan, but they should carefully consider the loan’s terms and conditions as well as other alternatives.

7/16/2014

Does Change-My-Address.com Owe You a Refund?

Consumers nationwide, including up 16,000 Ohioans, are entitled to refunds from a Cincinnati Internet-based business that offers change of address services. A $3 million national refund pool has been established to reimburse consumers under a settlement with Change-My-Address.com, Change-of-Address.us, parent company Form Giant LLC, and its president, Matthew Riley, said Attorney General Mike DeWine.

6/10/2014

Airport Job Offers Don’t Always Fly

Attorney General Mike DeWine is warning Ohioans to be on the lookout for a scam involving the promise of “airport jobs.” Recent reports to the Attorney General’s Office suggest Ohioans are receiving fliers and phone calls from a man attempting to persuade unsuspecting job hunters to wire transfer money in exchange for uniforms.

6/10/2014

How to Avoid Off-Campus Rental Scams

College students in search of off-campus housing options have a lot to consider, including location, condition, square footage, parking, and price. In addition to checking online advertisements and bulletin boards on and near campus, apartment hunters should be sure to visit the properties they’re considering and, if possible, talk with current residents about the apartment and their experiences with the landlord.

6/10/2014

Tips for Savvy Wedding Planning

With all the stress of wedding planning, it can be difficult to sort the good vendors from the not-so-good! Researching wedding vendors and asking important questions can go a long way to help you avoid problems on your big day.

6/10/2014

Tips Help You Guard Against the Heartbleed Bug

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine offered consumers advice on how to protect their personal information in the aftermath of a widespread Internet security glitch called the Heartbleed bug.

5/14/2014
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