January 6, 2025, press release from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Investigative Unit: CLEVELAND, OHIO — The Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office have announced the indictment of Hafedh Al-Gahim, 52, of Brooklyn, New York, and his company Buffalo Discount Corp. Al-Gahim and his company are accused of defrauding more than $125,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from Ohio recipients.
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.
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.
