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OHIOPROTECTS

Happy National Consumer Protection Week

March 1, 2021

It's National Consumer Protection Week ("NCPW")!

To kick of NCPW, AG Yost is highlighting his new multi-media outreach initiative to increase Ohioans’ awareness of COVID-19 scams, fraud, and identity theft and how they can protect themselves.

The videos can be viewed on the Ohio Attorney General’s Office website at https://www.ohioprotects.org/learn-about-fraud. The COVID-related videos are posted under “COVID-19 Guidance.”
The episodes feature a fictional family, The Clarks. The first episode covers the topic of identity theft while additional episodes tackle gift cards – which are often used as a payment method by scam artists – and how to spot a scam by knowing the red flags.
A few of the red flags highlighted in the animated series include:

  • You’re asked to wire money or send a prepaid money or gift card to a stranger.
  • You’re pressured to “act now!”
  • Your personal information is requested.
Tips to stay safe during COVID-19 include:
  • If you receive a call and don’t recognize the number, DON’T ANSWER! Let the caller leave a message and research what is said to see if it’s legitimate.
  • Know that scammers can “spoof” caller ID by pretending to call from your area code or another trusted-looking number. For example, they can make it seem as if they are calling from the CDC or a similar organization. Many scammers pretend to be IRS, Social Security or other government officials.
  • Watch out for emails claiming to be from expert sources with special advice or info about COVID-19. Legitimate information is available for free at www.cdc.gov and www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
  • Ignore advertisements promoting cures for the coronavirus.
  • Research nonprofit organizations and crowdfunding campaigns before donating. Be cautious of anyone going door to door offering coronavirus testing or requesting personal info.
  • Beware of emails, texts and other attempts to “phish” for your personal, financial or medical information. Some may even pretend to be a local COVID-19 contact tracer.
  • Never share personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Consider placing an initial fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit report.
  • Never carry unnecessary personal information, such as your Social Security card, in your wallet or purse.
  • Shred all outdated documents containing personal information.
  • Don’t conduct private business on public Wi-Fi.