(COLUMBUS) - Ohio officials are warning residents to stay on guard as holiday scams surge across the state.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose says Ohioans reported more than fifty billion dollars in fraud losses to the FBI between 2020 and 2024, with scammers ramping up efforts during the busy holiday season. LaRose says criminals are targeting shoppers, travelers, employees, and charitable donors using increasingly sophisticated tactics. Among the most common scams: fake shipping alerts claiming problems with Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, or UPS deliveries; emails or texts impersonating a boss and demanding gift cards; and fraudulent charity appeals, sometimes using deepfake videos or cryptocurrency requests.
Other scams include pop-ups claiming you've won a free gift or loyalty reward, and fake public Wi-Fi networks in malls, airports, and coffee shops designed to steal personal information. LaRose urges residents to slow down, verify requests, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use secure internet connections when handling financial or personal data. State officials are encouraging Ohioans to report suspected scams and share warnings with friends and family to help prevent others from becoming victims this holiday season.