Consumer Advocate 

If you use your smartphone to upload photos to social networking websites such as Facebook or MySpace, your phone may be releasing your personal information and location without your knowledge.

For years, experts have warned web users to avoid posting too much personal information, such as street address, date of birth, or license plate numbers, to protect against online predators.  

May 31, 2011 – Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Bell Sports Due to Head Injury Hazard: The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail, causing the helmet to come off the wearer’s head. Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Bell Sports by calling 866-892-6059, via e-mail at answer_desk@bellsports.com, or by visiting the firm's website at www.bellsports.com for a replacement or refund.

Ohio has a wealth of both oil and natural gas. Since the late 1860s, Ohio has been home to oil and gas drilling. Oil and gas wells are permitted and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mineral Resources Management (ODNR-DMRM). In 2010, 431 new oil and gas wells were drilled. There are approximately 64,378 active wells in Ohio.

Many children use the Internet every day, yet parents may not realize what information their children are sharing online, what content they are viewing, or what software they are downloading.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 34 percent of 10- to 17-year-olds had posted their real names, telephone numbers, home addresses, or the names of their schools online, and 45 percent had posted their dates of birth or their ages. Plus, one third of young Internet users (34 percent) had an unwanted exposure to sexual material.

What does it mean to an Ohioan that a section chief in the office of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine went to Washington this week to accept an award?

If you answered that it means taxpayers’ dollars were saved and people in need of medical care got more help, you’d be right.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is offering educational tools to help small businesses comply with Ohio consumer law.

The Attorney General’s Office enforces more than 25 consumer laws regarding advertising and business sales practices. To help businesses better understand these laws, the office’s Consumer Protection Section offers a free workshop, “Supporting Ohio Small Businesses,” which covers complying with Ohio consumer law and avoiding scams targeting small businesses.

This spring, floods devastated many regions throughout the United States.

In addition to the immediate environmental impacts, flooding also can cause serious damage to vehicles, and some damaged vehicles eventually get sold to unsuspecting buyers.