December 12, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI): Columbus, OH – As Ohioans search for the perfect gifts this holiday season, it is likely many individuals will choose to purchase gift cards to give to family and loved ones. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2024 Holiday Consumer Survey, approximately 44% of consumers expect to give a gift card as a present this season, making it the second most-popular category behind only clothing at 54%.

With the holidays now upon us, many are starting to rev up their online gift shopping. If it looks too good to be true, it usually isn't. Financial fraud officials say to be diligent when shopping online and make sure you are purchasing from a reputable business. Many times there are scammers or spoofers that look legit but really are not. If you feel like you may have been scammed, call your financial institution, watch your accounts, and hope your merchandise gets delivered.

The West Ohio Food Bank helping their partner agencies stay informed to better serve their clients. Partner agencies from all 11 counties they serve attended their annual meeting. The meeting covered food safety, policies, and civil rights training. Because many of the agencies work with senior citizens, the Ohio Attorney General's Office had a representative to talk about senior scams and how to spot someone who is being ripped off.

September 13, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities is warning Ohioans about an increased risk of affinity fraud and the significant financial impact it can have on victims. Affinity fraud scams exploit the trust and friendship that exist within groups of people who share common interests in order to exploit vulnerable investors. Often times, affinity fraud victims are targeted through their religious affiliation, and fraudsters may even enlist respected leaders within the group to unknowingly promote fraudulent investment opportunities. According to the North American Securities Administrators Association, last year, states across the country received 2,761 reports of such financial exploitation, which was nearly a 100% increase from the previous year.

July 22, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission: BEREA, Ohio (July 22, 2024) – The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is reminding toll customers everywhere to be aware of a resurgence in fraudulent texts from scammers requesting payment for unpaid tolls through fraudulent websites. The Ohio Turnpike does NOT request its E-ZPass customers to make payments by text. Collections of unpaid tolls and/or toll violations do NOT occur by text either.

The Better Business Bureau is warning of a scam targeting business owners. Per corporate transparency, owners of both active and inactive private businesses are required to fill out a form identifying themselves as the owner by January 2025. Scammers are using emails that closely resemble government agencies, asking people to fill out the form and charging a fee. There is no fee to submit the actual form, and once scammers have your credit card information, they may continue taking money.