Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: lottery scams

  • Beware of scammers claiming to be Ohio Homeland Security and Loveland Police

    Beware of scammers claiming to be Ohio Homeland Security and Loveland Police

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Police Department reported today on Facebook that a resident received a phone call claiming to be from the federal attorney general in Washington DC. “They told the resident their Social Security number had been compromised and asked for the number to confirm it so they could clear false reports.” The resident hung up on the scammer, however, they called back a few minutes later claiming to be a Loveland police officer with the police number on the caller ID.

    The post concluded with:

    “Our officers will NOT call under such circumstances. Do NOT give your personal information. A reminder that the Loveland Police Department will also never solicit donations over the phone or mail.”

    https://www.facebook.com/LPDfamily/posts/1785871101593296

    Beware of Scammers Claiming to be Ohio Homeland Security

    OHS Phone Number Spoofed; Don’t Fall for Telephone Scams

    COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Public Safety has received reports of a possible scam being perpetrated on Ohioans today from scammers claiming to be from Ohio Homeland Security (OHS).

    Ohio residents have reported receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to be from OHS and informing the call recipients that their identity had been stolen. Caller ID on these calls indicate the calls originated from the OHS main line 614-387-6171, but they did not; the Ohio Homeland Security main line was spoofed. Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. 

    “If you receive these calls, don’t fall for this scam,” said Ohio Homeland Security Executive Director Brian Quinn. “Hang up immediately and report it to either your local law enforcement or the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center (STACC) at 1-877-647-4683.”

    Ohio Homeland Security, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, does not investigate personal identity theft and would not make these kinds of phone calls to Ohio residents.

    Do not fall victim to telephone scams. Tips to protect yourself from telephone scams include:

    • Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry.
    • Be wary of callers claiming that you’ve won a prize or vacation package.
    • Hang up on suspicious phone calls.
    • Be cautious of caller ID.
  • Tips to avoid sweepstakes and lottery scams

    Tips to avoid sweepstakes and lottery scams

    With the high Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is warning consumers to beware of phony claims that they’ve won millions. Sweepstakes and lottery scams have been reported throughout Ohio in recent weeks.

    The Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section has logged over 80 complaints involving sweepstakes or prizes in 2018. The average reported loss is more than $13,000..

    The scams often begin with a call or letter claiming a person has won millions of dollars in a lottery or sweepstakes. The person is asked to wire a few hundred dollars or more to cover processing fees or taxes in order to receive the winnings. In reality, there is no prize and any money the person sends will go to a scam artist.

    “If you get a call saying you’ve won millions but you have to pay to receive it, it’s just not true,” Attorney General DeWine said. “You shouldn’t have to pay to receive a prize you’ve already won. Even if the person claims to be affiliated with a real lottery, don’t believe the claims, and don’t send your own money.”

    The Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section has logged over 80 complaints involving sweepstakes or prizes in 2018. The average reported loss is more than $13,000.

    While the scams often begin with a call or letter, they also may start on social media. A con artist may pose as a person’s friend and send a message saying the person has won money. The claim may seem more believable because it appears to come from a friend, but it is actually part of a scam.

    Tips to avoid sweepstakes and lottery scams include:

    • Don’t send money to receive a prize. Legitimate sweepstakes or lotteries will not charge you to receive your prize. Don’t trust people who contact you unexpectedly, claim you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes, and ask you to pay to receive the prize. If you truly won, you shouldn’t need to send your own money in advance to receive your winnings.
    • Be skeptical if a “friend” sends you a message saying you’ve won a lot of money. The message may be part of a scam.
    • Be wary of requests for wire transfers, money orders, or gift cards. These payment methods are used frequently in scams. Once the money is sent, it is difficult to trace or recover it. Also, be wary if you receive an unexpected check in the mail. It may be a counterfeit check used as part of a scam.
    • Talk to friends and family about scams. Older adults can be especially vulnerable to lottery and sweepstakes scams. If you have older relatives, talk to them about scams and look for signs that they have been targeted. Red flags include unusual banking activities, wire transfer receipts, and an increased number of phone calls made to them.

    Consumers who suspect a scam or an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.orgor 800-282-0515.