Department of Commerce Highlights Ways to Avoid, Report and Recover from Scams During Consumer Protection Week Activities

COLUMBUS, Ohio -In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week this week (March 1-7), representatives from the Ohio Department of Commercewill be participating in numerous consumer-focused events to help inform, engage and protect Ohioans of all ages from the threat of scams.

These in-person and virtual events are part of the agency's comprehensive effort this weekto enhance awareness of various timely topics, including common scams, schemes and fraud that impact consumers, and how to avoid, report and recover from them.

According to the FBI's most recent Internet Crime Report, Americans filed 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime in 2024 with reported losses exceeding $16 billion, a 33% increase in losses from the previous year. In Ohio, the Federal Trade Commission found that identity theft was the most common online complaint in 2024, with residents filing 27,766 reports.

Members of the media are invited to cover the following in-person and virtual events.

Resource Fair with the Ohio Attorney General

When: Tuesday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:Rhodes State Office Tower (30 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215)

Who:Representatives from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Divisions of Financial Institutions and Securities

What:Hosted by the Ohio Attorney General's Office, we will provide vital resources and guidance to help consumers identify and guard against scams and fraud, enhance their overall credit health, and ensure online safety for children. This collaboration highlights Commerce's dedication to empowering Ohioans with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families.

Delaware Library Consumer Resource Table

When: Wednesday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:Delaware County District Library, Delaware Branch (84 E. Winter St., Delaware, Ohio, 43015)

Who:Representatives from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Divisions of Securities

What:We will have a table available containing various resources that highlight valuable tips to help keep Ohioans from falling victim to common scams, especially those targeting older Ohioans.

Scam Buster Pop-Up Booth at COSI

When: Wednesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to Noon

Where: Atrium of COSI (333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215)

Who: Representatives from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Financial Institutions' Office of Consumer Affairs

What:We will host a pop-up booth aimed at educating children and their parents about prevalent scams targeting individuals of all ages. Attendees will learn how to recognize and protect themselves against email and texting scams, among other common threats.

Scam Buster Pop-Up Booth in Downtown Columbus

When: Thursday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Third-floor lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts (77 S. High St., Downtown Columbus)

Who: Representatives from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Office of Consumer Affairs

What:We will host a pop-up booth aimed at educating downtown workers and consumers about prevalent scams. Attendees can learn how to recognize and protect themselves against email and texting scams, among other common threats. The booth will also provide important information on investor-focused scams such as financial grooming fraud, affinity fraud, Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, and more. This initiative underscores the Department's commitment to raising awareness and empowering individuals to safeguard their financial well-being.

Facebook Live with the Department of Commerce

When: Friday, March 6, 11:30 a.m.

Where:The Ohio Department of Commerce's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CommerceOhio

Who:Representatives from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Divisions of Securities and Financial Institutions

What:This interactive virtual event will highlight important tips that all Ohioans should know to spot a scam, report a scam, and recover from a scam to ensure a minimal short- and long-term impact.

Event RSVP Information: Media who are interested in attending any of these events should RSVP to Jamie Crawford at [email protected].

Other Consumer Protection Week Resources

Consumer Protection Week Website

The Ohio Department of Commerce has a wide range of information and resources related to scams available on its website at com.ohio.gov/ConsumerProtection.

Consumer Protection Week Podcast Episode

We recently partnered with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio for a special Consumer Protection Week-themed "Protecting What Matters" podcast episode. This week's episode highlights some of the common scams Ohioans are facing and how consumers can stay safe. Listen to the podcast by clicking here. The podcast is also available on popular streaming platforms.

Social Media Content

The Department will be sharing important and timely information on its social media channels throughout the week (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn). Ohioans are encouraged to search for and follow our various channels to ensure they stay up to date on current and future scams.

Consumer Email Subscriber List

The Department will also be sending out a series of emails through its Consumer Email List that will highlight some of the important steps Ohioans should take to avoid, report and recover from scams. Individuals can subscribe to this free email newsletter list by clicking here.

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About the Ohio Department of Commerce

The Ohio Department of Commerce is the state's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.