Protect Your Financial Information
Did you know? Due to COVID-19, you are able to receive one free credit report PER WEEK from each of the three major credit reporting agencies through April 2021.
Checking your credit report is important in the fight against identity theft.
Red flags of identity theft:
Tens of thousands of consumers turn to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office each year for FREE help in resolving consumer issues, learning how to avoid scams and deceptive practices, and finding dependable information on a wide range of other topics.
THE CONSUMER PROTECTION SECTION OFFERS:
Informal Dispute Resolution
Trained consumer complaint specialists work with consumers and businesses to resolve ongoing disputes for many types of consumer transactions. Common complaints involve debt collection, used cars, home improvements, price gouging and COVID-related cancellations and refunds.
Presentations
Qualified consumer educators conduct presentations to educate groups or organizations on consumer-related topics such as senior scams, ID theft, cybersecurity and more. Currently, all presentations are offered virtually.
Identity Theft Response
Consumer advocates work to rectify the effects of identity theft.
Robocall Enforcement Unit
Ohioans can report illegal robocalls, which allows the unit to share that data to help trace some of the calls.
Elder Justice Unit
Helps protect older adults by promoting elder abuse victims’ access to vital services.
Publications
The Consumer Protection Section offers a number of publications, online and in-print, to educate on various consumer-related topics.
Checking your credit report is important in the fight against identity theft.
- Never share personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Consider placing an initial fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit report.
- Never carry unnecessary personal information, such as your social security card, in your wallet or purse.
- Shred all outdated documents containing personal information.
- Don’t conduct private business on public Wi-Fi.
Red flags of identity theft:
- Finding inaccurate information on your credit report
- Being contacted by collectors about debts you do not owe
- Being denied credit for no apparent reason
- Receiving unfamiliar bills
Tens of thousands of consumers turn to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office each year for FREE help in resolving consumer issues, learning how to avoid scams and deceptive practices, and finding dependable information on a wide range of other topics.
THE CONSUMER PROTECTION SECTION OFFERS:
Informal Dispute Resolution
Trained consumer complaint specialists work with consumers and businesses to resolve ongoing disputes for many types of consumer transactions. Common complaints involve debt collection, used cars, home improvements, price gouging and COVID-related cancellations and refunds.
Presentations
Qualified consumer educators conduct presentations to educate groups or organizations on consumer-related topics such as senior scams, ID theft, cybersecurity and more. Currently, all presentations are offered virtually.
Identity Theft Response
Consumer advocates work to rectify the effects of identity theft.
Robocall Enforcement Unit
Ohioans can report illegal robocalls, which allows the unit to share that data to help trace some of the calls.
Elder Justice Unit
Helps protect older adults by promoting elder abuse victims’ access to vital services.
Publications
The Consumer Protection Section offers a number of publications, online and in-print, to educate on various consumer-related topics.