(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Businesses should be wary if they receive emails that look like they are from the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine warned today. The FTC has advised that scammers have sent thousands of these phony emails that appear to be from the commission with the claim that consumers have filed complaints about their businesses.
“Just as scams targeting citizens are unacceptable, so are those that aim to harm Ohio businesses,” said Attorney General DeWine. “Everyone needs to be informed and alert to prevent themselves from becoming victims.”
Businesses can protect themselves by not clicking on links in any unexpected or suspicious emails. More information about this scam can be found at www.business.ftc.gov.
Attorney General DeWine highlighted other scams that businesses have faced, including:
- Business directory scams – Scammers pretend to be associated with the local city government, chamber, or yellow pages. They call saying it’s time for the business to renew ad space in the local community map or directory and ask for credit card numbers over the phone, using high pressure tactics. The ads are non-existent and the scammer steals money using the credit card number given.
- Government regulation scams – Scammers charge businesses a fee to help them comply with a new government regulation. They might even pretend to be the Secretary of State and ask for payment to comply with a new requirement or registration. Businesses in Ohio can receive free information and assistance from their local or state governmental agencies.
- Fake invoice scams – A business receives an invoice for a product or service never ordered. The scammer hopes the business will pay the invoice before realizing it never ordered or received the products.
Businesses and consumers can also visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov to learn more about scams and ways to avoid them. Complaints can also be filed at the Attorney General’s website or by calling 800-282-0515.
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti: 614-466-3840