Consumer Advocate 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Every January, many consumers enroll in gym memberships that will help fulfill their New Year’s resolution for a healthier lifestyle. In Ohio, gym memberships are generally considered “prepaid entertainment contracts,” similar to contracts for dance or karate lessons or dating websites.   These types of contracts provide consumers with certain rights such as the ability to cancel the agreements under certain circumstances. 

Subscription-based satellite radio service Sirius XM has agreed to significantly change its business practices, pay $3.8 million to the states, and provide payments to eligible consumers in 45 states and the District of Columbia, based on a recent agreement led by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. 

Now that the holiday season is over, many consumers are likely excited to redeem their gift cards. But before making any purchasing decisions, consumers should know their gift card rights and beware of common gift card scams. 

May companies offer layaway plans to help with the cost of the holiday season. This allows consumers to make installment payments on reserved items. Once the item is paid for in full, the consumer can pick it up. Before signing up for a layaway plan, consumers should understand all the terms and conditions.  

The business that owns ScoreSense has agreed to change its business practices and pay $22 million to resolve claims that it deceptively marketed its online credit monitoring services, according to an agreement recently announced by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, the Federal Trade Commission, and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. 

Every year it seems more consumers are shopping for the holidays online for all different types of products and services. In fact, for many Ohioans, shopping online has become second nature. Consumers use apps on their smart phones, have their favorite online stores bookmarked, and compare prices online with those offered by traditional “brick and mortar” stores. 

Have you ever considered paying a professional to hang your outdoor holiday lights? While relying on a pro may add a special sparkle to your home’s holiday décor, be sure to do your homework before allowing an expert to do any work on your property. 

The next time you check your email inbox, look carefully — it might contain a targeted message that a con artist designed just for you. 

Planning to make changes to your health insurance? Make sure you don’t stumble into a scam.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, along with other state attorneys general and federal agencies, recently announced a national settlement with AT&T Mobility LLC to resolve allegations that it placed unauthorized third-party charges on consumers’ cell phone bills in a practice known as “mobile cramming.”

While many scams begin with a phone call or door-to-door visit, others attract potential victims through postings on popular social media websites and apps.

When it comes to fighting fraud, the best offense is a good defense, which is why the Attorney General’s Office offers a wide range of consumer protection presentations to educate older adults about the latest trends and scams. Representatives from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office are available to provide important information about fraud, cybersecurity, identity theft and, most importantly, how to protect yourself and your wallet. 

Consumers should consider many things when buying hearing aids, including the cost, technology used, and comfort of the product. While many companies promise to provide a great product, it is important for consumers to review their consumer rights before making a purchase.

Attorney General Mike DeWine is reminding Ohioans to watch out for grandparent scams, a costly telephone ploy in which con artists pose as grandchildren in need.

Attorney General Mike DeWine formed a new Elder Justice Initiative within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to increase the investigation and prosecution of elder abuse cases and improve victims’ access to services.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is calling on Ohio high school students to participate in the sixth annual Take Action Video Contest and produce a 60-second video warning fellow Ohioans about scams, cybersecurity threats, and identity theft.

The work of Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Economic Crimes Unit, a division of the Consumer Protection Section, helped lead to the indictment of a Maryland man on charges related to a romance scam aimed at defrauding elderly individuals of more than $1.1 million.

While the temperature remains moderate, Ohioans are likely seeing no shortage of home improvement contractors in their neighborhoods. Recently, a number of consumers have reported concerns about asphalt pavers and sealers going door-to-door offering services but performing shoddy work or not completing the work as promised.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit against Wellness Laser and Med Spa LLC, which operates in central and northeast Ohio, for unfair and deceptive business practices. The Attorney General is seeking consumer restitution, an injunction to stop further violations, and civil penalties.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section has developed a new program to help protect Ohio’s seniors from fraud. The Senior Advocate Fraud Education (SAFE) program educates seniors, caregivers, social workers, and families about fraud and scams that target seniors. As part of the program, the Attorney General’s Office is distributing SAFE toolkits to more than 700 public libraries throughout Ohio.

Individuals using online marketplaces to sell products may get more than they asked for when they receive an email from a “buyer” offering more money than the posted selling price.

Reports to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office indicate that unwanted phone calls continue to be a nuisance for many consumers. Because such intrusions have the potential to rob people of time and money, the Attorney General’s Office works hard to educate consumers on how to reduce unwanted calls.

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 new items, it can also be expensive. Take time to read advertisements closely and watch for potential scams to avoid back-to-school-buying blues that may violate your rights.