Consumer Advocate

Sign up for newsletters and other news
Media > Newsletters > Consumer Advocate

Consumer Advocate RSS feeds

A Taxing Problem: Tax Identity Theft

When most people think of identity theft, they likely think of opening fraudulent accounts, making unauthorized credit card charges, or taking money out of a bank account without permission. 

3/4/2016

Hung up with Unwanted Telephone Calls? Read on…

Placing a landline or cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce telemarketing calls, but it may not stop all unwanted calls. Here are some reasons why.

3/4/2016

AG Settlement with MoneyGram Includes Money for Scam Victims

In early February, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that Ohio was part of a $13 million settlement with MoneyGram Payment Systems Inc. over concerns that consumers used MoneyGram to make payments that were induced by fraud.

3/4/2016

Keep your guard up when fulfilling New Year’s resolutions

The beginning of a new year is the traditional time for people to work toward a healthier lifestyle. 

1/13/2016

New mobile device? Here are two ways to protect your identity

Did you receive a new mobile device such as a laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone for the holidays? 

1/13/2016

Think twice before using others’ images online

The Internet has made communication faster and easier. 

1/13/2016

Annual credit reports are vital way to catch ID theft and errors

If you are concerned about identity theft or want to understand the information that creditors access when you apply for a mortgage, apartment, credit card, car loan, or any other type of credit, check your credit report. 

1/13/2016

When to Use or Refuse Free, Public Wi-Fi

Free, public Wi-Fi can be an easy way to connect online while on the go

11/9/2015

Pension Advances Might Come with High Risk

The sales pitch may be tempting: trade some or all of your future pension in exchange for a lump sum of cash. 

11/9/2015

Verizon and Sprint Customers May be Eligible for Refunds Under Cramming Settlements

Sprint and Verizon customers who experienced unauthorized third-party charges on their cell phone bills (a practice known as “mobile cramming”) have until Dec. 31, 2015, to seek refunds under national settlements Attorney General DeWine announced earlier this year.

11/9/2015

Scam Alert: Beware When Using Mobile Payment Apps

Imagine having tickets for an upcoming concert or sporting event, but realizing at the last minute you aren’t able to go. After trying unsuccessfully to sell to someone you know, you post the tickets for sale online. 

11/9/2015

What to Know About Debt Collection Calls

When dealing with a debt collector, it is important to understand your rights and to distinguish between a legitimate debt collector, a debt collector who fails to comply with the law, and a likely scam artist. 

9/9/2015

Fake Check Scams Target Ohioans

Imagine selling an item online and then receiving a check for more than the agreed price. 

9/9/2015

Ohio High School Students: Enter the Attorney General’s Scholarship Contest!

Are you looking for ways to earn money for college? 

9/9/2015

Five Tips to Shut out Hackers and Malware

Whether you’re shopping online, connecting through social media, or checking web-based email accounts, take steps to protect your personal information from hackers and malicious software, also known as malware. 

9/9/2015

Are you password protected?

Today, passwords are needed for everything from email to bank accounts. 

7/7/2015

July 15: Celebrate Military Consumer Protection Day

In recognition of Military Consumer Protection Day (July 15), the Ohio Attorney General’s Office is providing information about consumer rights and scams targeting service members and their families. 

7/7/2015

Charity Race Runners and Walkers: Do Your Research!

Participating in 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon races is often a great way to raise money for charities you’re passionate about, while also accomplishing fitness goals. 

7/7/2015

Major National Settlement with Credit Reporting Agencies

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and 30 other state attorneys general recently announced a major settlement with the three main credit reporting agencies — Equifax Information Services LLC, Experian Information Solutions Inc., and TransUnion LLC. 

7/7/2015

Computer Repair Scammers Prey on Unsuspecting Victims

Reports to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office suggest that many Ohioans have been targeted by the “computer repair” scam in recent months. 

5/5/2015

Before a Purchase: Do Your Homework

Before signing a contract or providing payment, do some homework on the products and services you are planning to buy. 

5/5/2015

Scammers May Target Timeshare Owners

While many timeshare owners enjoy their properties, others cannot wait to get out from under the commitments, which can include monthly mortgage payments, maintenance fees, and property taxes. 

5/5/2015

Beware of 'Storm Chasers' after Severe Weather

As sure as we will experience severe storms this spring and summer, home repair contractors who have less-than-good intentions are bound to come knocking on our doors. 

5/5/2015

Avoid Tax-Related Identity Theft

Imagine filing your taxes only to learn that someone stole your identity, filed your tax return, and received a refund in your name. Unfortunately, this scenario may be a reality for many consumers this tax season.

2/27/2015

What You Should Know About Warranties and Service Contracts

While warranties and service contracts may seem to be similar agreements, they have important differences. If you are buying a vehicle or making another high-ticket purchase, make sure you understand what you can expect from each. 

2/27/2015

Better Credit Card Security for 2015

Swiping credit cards may soon be something of the past as the retail industry moves toward advance security protections that are already commonplace in Europe. The old swiping action — which allows the magnetic strip on credit cards to be decoded by electronic card readers — will eventually be replaced by a computer chip embedded in every new credit card. 

2/27/2015

Combat Fraud: Celebrate National Consumer Protection Week

In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week (March 1-7), Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office has coordinated a wide range of activities to warn consumers about unfair business practices and scams and to help them understand their consumer rights. 

2/27/2015

Scam Alert: Imposter Websites and Emails

Despite the many benefits of the Internet, such as shopping online and researching a business, there also are some pitfalls — among them, scam websites and email messages. 

1/14/2015
Displaying results 197-224 (of 433)
 |<  <  4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13  >  >|