Scams & Fraud Prevention

Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. OIG can impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. ...

Hidden fees are in the rise everywhere we shop. Restaurants, travel companies, rideshares and other businesses are tacking on new fees to the basic costs of their services. These fees might not be evident at first glance, so if you want to avoid paying them, here are a few things you should do. ...

There are common elements to government imposter scams. Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits.  They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime. ...

Used appliances are a thrifty alternative to new ones, but know what you're buying so you don't come home with a clunker. ...

Thanks to new legal changes in Ohio, the popularity of sports betting has exploded. If you think scammers haven’t noticed, think again. Read on for tips that will keep you ahead of the scammers and their deceptive games. ...

Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) has released its local Top Ten Scams of 2022, compiled from reports by local consumers. Creeping inflation and the economic aftermath of the pandemic both affected the proliferation and types of scams reported to BBB in 2022.  ...

Scams to steal your personal information are at an all-time high. It's important to safeguard important personal documents such as your Social Security card. Keeping your card at home reduces the risk of loss or theft and helps you keep your information safe. ...

Along with winter storms come the possibility of widespread property damage... plus storm chasers and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack proper licensing and insurance, offer quick but inappropriate fixes, or make promises they can’t deliver on.  ...