December 20, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU): COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) is issuing an alert to small and medium-sized grocery stores and convenience stores across Ohio about an escalating threat of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card skimming fraud targeting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients. Criminal organizations have increasingly targeted SNAP-authorized retail locations with skimming devices designed to steal EBT card information. These devices primarily capture data from magnetic stripes rather than chip-enabled cards and tap-to-pay systems. The most common skimming method involves an overlay-type device placed over the keypad and magnetic swipe reader. These devices are strategically designed to capture card information and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) from unsuspecting SNAP benefit recipients.

October 9, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – If you operate a bank or business in the state of Ohio, you have until Nov. 1 to report unclaimed funds to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds – even if there are not any funds to report. Unclaimed Funds Reports are due on Nov. 1 for accounts dormant as of June 30, 2024. The only exception is for life insurance companies, whose reports are due May 1, 2025 for accounts dormant as of Dec. 31, 2024. Last year, the division received 90,790 reports and $528 million.

August 21, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – In 2023 alone, Ohioans sent more than $2 trillion through money transmitter services, which has more than doubled from 2018. While traditional services like Western Union and MoneyGram allow individuals to easily send money to family and friends, including overseas, newer online companies like Fintech Digital and crypto exchanges pose a higher risk of fraud. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is highlighting how Ohioans can protect themselves – and their money – from potential risks. With the proliferation of online money transmitters for holding and transmitting funds, consumers should be aware of potential scams, especially those involving crypto wallets or online purchases. Fraudsters may set up fake companies or pressure individuals into sending money under false pretenses, such as a family emergency. Unlike online digital payment networks such as Venmo or Zelle, which require extensive user verification, some of these money transmitter services are prime areas for scammers to exploit due to their less stringent account setup processes.

May 30, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – With approximately 82% of Americans planning to travel this summer either domestically or abroad, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions reminds travelers to take steps to protect their finances and belongings from potential scams.