Consumer Advocate 

When cash is in short supply, a payday loan may sound like a wonderful solution. A short-term payday loan can help you purchase what you need before your next paycheck. While you might be tempted to apply for a payday loan if strapped for cash, you may want to think twice.

As you brace yourself for a long Ohio winter, take steps to save money and stay safe.Follow these tips to help ensure your winter-weather transactions go smoothly:

As the holiday season approaches, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine recommends learning to identify scams targeting holiday shoppers.

If you want to obtain a copy of the deed to your home, contact your local county recorder.

Drivers: Beware of ads offering an “International Driver’s License.” In Ohio, there is no such thing as an international driver’s license.  

In Ohio, a business can’t advertise products or services as free when the cost of the “free” item is passed on to the consumer.

Consumers throughout the nation are reporting numerous calls from 'Card Member Services' or similar-sounding companies that violate Do Not Call regulations. The best thing you can do? Don’t respond.

As summer reaches its official end, beware of lingering traveling scam artists that come to your door to offer roof repair, driveway paving and sealing, or tree trimming.

You’ve been a loyal customer for years, and now, unexpectedly, you receive a text message saying you’ve won a $1,000 gift card for one of your favorite stores. Is it too good to be true? You bet.

Ohio high school students in grades 9 through 12 can enter to win up to $2,500 in college scholarships by participating in the fourth annual Take Action Video Contest, which will accept submissions from Sept. 17, 2012, to Dec. 14, 2012.

In August, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine sued Larry Foster, an Indiana man who went door to door selling water treatment systems to consumers throughout Ohio.

On July 19, 2012, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and 11 other state attorneys general announced a $14.1 million Consumer Restitution Fund for customers of US Fidelis, a company that was once the nation’s largest vehicle service contract dealer. The firm filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

Just as you should find a doctor before you get sick, it’s a good idea to find a locksmith before you’re locked out. Otherwise, you may end up in an emergency situation with an unscrupulous locksmith.

Purchasing a $20 gift card for just $10, buying a kitchen appliance at half price, and getting your bike tuned up at 40 percent off are some of the many savings that online deal sites offer.

Back-to-school shopping season is in full swing, with notebooks, pencil cases, and binders lining many store aisles. While it can be exciting for children and adults to begin the school year with brand-new items, it also can be expensive. Take time to read advertisements closely and watch for potential scams to avoid the back-to-school buying blues.

Checking your credit reports regularly and applying a security freeze may help you detect or avoid certain types of identity theft.

Although children generally don’t carry around personal identification information such as credit cards or licenses, their identities still can be targeted. 

National Protect Your Identity Week, set for Oct. 20–27, is a great time to consider how to protect your personal information from fraud. 

The Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section has launched a new program to help identity theft victims correct the effects of the crime. 

In February 2012, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, in conjunction with the federal government and 49 state attorneys general, announced a $25 billion federal-state agreement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers — Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Citi, JPMorganChase, and Wells Fargo.

On May 25, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit against the owners and operators of The Beach Waterpark in Mason, Ohio, charging the waterpark with failure to deliver.

Did you buy Skechers Shape-ups, Resistance Runner, Toners, or Tone-ups shoes? You may be eligible for a refund under a recent settlement.

Don’t forget! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13, and whether you’re giving flowers, jewelry, or other gifts, be sure to make smart shopping decisions.

Prepaid cards offer many of the same benefits of a credit card or debit card, such as convenience and easy use, without the requirement of a checking account or credit card. Despite the benefits of prepaid cards and their increasing popularity, many come with high costs.

Celebrate Older Americans Month by talking to your friends and family about sweepstakes scams and grandparent scams.

If you have a smartphone, convenience and ease are paramount. Need to find a restaurant for a dinner reservation? Look it up on your smartphone. Need to know your checking account balance? Download your bank's app and log in.

Buying a car is a big decision. You have to consider price, efficiency, comfort, color, and other factors. Once you find your perfect car, what happens if it has serious problems and needs constant repairs? Is it a lemon?

Earlier this month, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission warned of possible notario scams following the federal government’s recent immigration announcement.