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More than a dozen residents in Lorain County, Ohio fell victim to phone scammers who spoofed the sheriff's office number and impersonated Captain Robert Vansant, claiming victims had outstanding warrants and demanding bond payments of up to $3,500 via digital payment apps like Venmo or Zelle. The scammers used convincing tactics including legal jargon, gag order claims, and text messages to pressure victims into paying quickly; some victims lost up to $30,000, and even a corrections officer was temporarily deceived. Captain Vansant warned that the sheriff's office never calls to request money and advised residents to verify calls by contacting the office directly.

Older adults in Hamilton County, Ohio lost $4 million to scammers in the past year, with 75-year-old Carol Brown receiving up to 25 scam calls daily—a problem so widespread that some seniors avoid answering their phones and miss medical appointments. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost noted that only one in 44 financial crimes against older adults gets reported, often due to seniors' fear of being institutionalized or having their competence questioned, while FBI data shows people 60 and older lost $3.4 billion nationally to scams last year. Experts recommend connecting more with isolated seniors, using phone apps to filter scam calls, and following verification steps such

A Chillicothe, Ohio resident lost $6,864 in a romance scam after developing an online relationship with someone claiming to be Sandra Oliverez from Brazil who needed visa extension funds. The victim never met the person in person or video chatted, despite receiving purported visa documents and photos of flowers he sent, before reporting the fraud to the Ross County Sheriff's Office in June 2024. Authorities are investigating whether Sandra Oliverez is a real identity or fabricated persona used in the scam.

De-love Kofi Amuzu, 25, of Ohio, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for laundering money from a romance fraud conspiracy targeting elderly victims seeking companionship online. The scheme involved creating fake dating profiles to deceive victims into sending substantial cash, items, and wire transfers totaling over $1.1 million, which Amuzu then transferred to Ghana accounts. Several victims lost so much money they were forced into bankruptcy, and Amuzu has been ordered to pay $835,487.65 in restitution.

Fraud cases are rising significantly across Ohio, with the Ashland Police Department reporting a 62% increase in fraud and forgery cases, while the FBI documented a 14% increase in fraud allegations against older adults in 2023, resulting in average losses of $33,915 per victim and over $3.4 billion in total losses. Scammers target all demographics—including business professionals and online daters—using tactics such as requesting gift card payments, threatening account hacks, and romance manipulation. Police recommend avoiding unsolicited money transfers to unknown individuals, using buyer-protected payment services, recognizing deals that seem too good to be true, and contacting local police if feeling uneasy

An elder victim in Kettering, Ohio lost over $36,000 after clicking a phishing email and providing personal information to scammers posing as tech support personnel; she made payments totaling $5,000 by mail, $18,000 in cash, and $1,000 was stolen electronically before police arrested suspect Karan Karan during an attempted in-person money collection. The case exemplifies tech support scams, which the FBI reports were the leading type of elder fraud in 2023, causing victims 60+ over $3.4 billion in losses that year with an average loss of $33,915 per victim.

Medicare fraud costs an estimated $60 billion annually and affects beneficiaries through loss of medical identity, time, stress, and potential health consequences. The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol launched Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 5-6) to educate beneficiaries, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers on protective measures such as monitoring insurance statements, verifying medical equipment orders, safeguarding Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity.

In 2023, the Internet Complaint Center received over 880,000 complaints with losses exceeding $12.5 billion, with investor scams representing a significant portion. Scammers contact victims via social media, phone, or email offering complex investment opportunities in areas like real estate, cryptocurrency, or Ponzi schemes, often building trust before soliciting money. Protection strategies include requesting comprehensive investment documentation, researching companies and advisor credentials via BrokerCheck, being cautious of cryptocurrency/precious metals investments, and reporting suspected fraud to local police, the Ohio Division of Securities, and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Scammers are using automated voice messages impersonating banks to trick customers into revealing sensitive financial information like debit card and account numbers. Recent incidents in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio targeted customers of Wayne Bank, banks in Madison, and Brookville National Bank with fake security breach alerts designed to prompt account reactivation. The advisory warns customers never to provide financial information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls and to independently verify such requests by contacting their bank directly.

Scammers in Athens, Ohio impersonated local police officers, including using real officers' names and spoofed phone numbers, to convince residents they had outstanding warrants and demanded payment of legal fees. The Athens Police Department noted this was the first time scammers used actual officer names, and similar donation-based scams were also reported by the Nelsonville Police Department; authorities indicate these calls typically originate overseas and are difficult to trace. Victims are advised to report losses to the Federal Trade Commission and unwanted calls to DoNotCall.gov.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld honored 22 public servants and law enforcement officials in Ohio County, West Virginia for exceptional work in criminal investigations and community service, including recognition for outstanding efforts in drug trafficking, violent crime, human trafficking, and identity theft cases. Notable honorees included the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force and Marshall County Drug Task Force for drug investigations, and Dontuwee Boykin, J.W. Smith, and Loretta Phillips specifically recognized for outstanding elder fraud investigation work. The annual United States Attorney Awards ceremony recognized individuals who went "above and beyond the normal call of duty" in bringing criminals to justice across the Northern District of West Virginia.

The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities reported a surge in investor scams, receiving approximately 250 fraud complaints in 2023, with Ohio residents losing over $150 million to financial scams that year. Scams ranged from $100 to $100 million and primarily targeted retirees seeking investment returns; victims should avoid unsolicited social media investment offers, overly complex opportunities, and verify companies before investing. Ohio offers a recovery fund for defrauded investors, and victims should report incidents to local police, the Division of Securities, or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Highland County is offering free educational training sessions for seniors on online safety, covering how to identify scams, phishing attempts, and privacy threats in the digital world. The sessions, scheduled across multiple locations from May through June, include hands-on technical support from experts to help participants protect themselves online. The program is funded through an Ohio Healthy Aging Grant and a partnership between local county and community organizations.

The Highland County Health Department is offering free online safety and privacy training sessions for seniors throughout May and June, covering topics such as identifying scams, phishing attempts, and protecting personal information online. Each session includes hands-on technical support from experts who will provide one-on-one assistance to help seniors navigate the digital world safely. The program is funded through an Ohio Healthy Aging Grant and a partnership between Highland County Commissioners and the Community Action Organization.

In 2023, scams targeting American seniors increased 11% with reported losses reaching $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report. Tech-support scams were the most common type, while investment scams resulted in the largest financial losses; Ohio ranked eighth nationally for senior scam complaints with residents losing over $64 million. The article advises seniors to educate themselves about scams, avoid high-pressure situations involving payments, and consult trusted family members before sending money.

In 2023, scams targeting American seniors increased 11% with reported losses reaching $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's annual Elder Fraud Report. Tech-support scams were the most common type, while investment scams resulted in the largest financial losses; Ohio ranked eighth nationally in senior scam complaints with losses exceeding $64 million. The article recommends seniors educate themselves about common scams, verify suspicious requests with trusted contacts, and avoid high-pressure situations involving gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

In 2023, Ohio residents lost over $150 million to financial scams, with those age 60 and older accounting for $3.4 billion in losses nationally according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities highlights rising threats including romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and precious metals fraud, advising consumers to investigate investment opportunities thoroughly, verify credentials through third-party sources, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement and the SEC.

Homeowners in Toledo, Ohio received mail scams claiming their home warranty was expiring and including what appeared to be a $200 check, despite never having purchased such coverage. The fraudulent "final notice" letters used fear tactics to pressure recipients into calling a number, with scammers insisting victims must have had coverage to be on their mailing list. The Better Business Bureau advises people to trust their instincts and avoid responding to unexpected checks or urgent claims from unknown sources, as these tactics exploit fear and greed to hook victims into scams.

Following the March 14 tornadoes that affected 11 Ohio counties and killed three people, FEMA warned disaster victims to be vigilant against post-disaster scams, particularly fraudulent applications where scammers pose as FEMA inspectors or request personal financial information. FEMA emphasized that legitimate federal disaster workers never request money or banking details, and victims should verify worker identification, avoid providing personal information to unverified callers, and report suspected fraud to local authorities or FEMA's fraud hotline (866-223-0814).

Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over age 60 last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with increasingly sophisticated schemes including tech support scams, romance frauds, investment schemes, and in-person courier pickups to collect cash or precious metals. The report highlights the devastating impact on vulnerable seniors, including one case where an 81-year-old Ohio man fatally shot an Uber driver after being targeted by a court impersonation scam.

Ann Mayers, 74, robbed an Ohio credit union at gunpoint in 2024, netting only $500 after falling victim to an online scam and accumulating $70,000 in debts to family members and friends. She was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Police noted that while Mayers herself was victimized by fraud, she chose to commit armed robbery as a response to her financial crisis.

Since the pandemic, scams targeting seniors in Ohio have more than doubled according to AARP data. An 81-year-old man was charged with murder after shooting an Uber driver whom he believed was involved in a scam, and legal experts indicate that if the actual scam perpetrator is caught, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud and extortion charges, though locating the suspect may be difficult if they are located outside the United States.

The Ohio Turnpike Commission is warning Ohioans about a "smishing" scam (SMS phishing via text message) where scammers falsely claim recipients owe unpaid tolls and demand payment through suspicious links. The FBI reports receiving over 2,000 complaints about nearly identical toll-related smishing texts since March across at least three states, with messages claiming outstanding toll amounts of $12.51 and threatening $50 late fees. To protect themselves, recipients should never click unknown links or call unfamiliar numbers, verify any toll claims directly through official websites, and report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

An EF-1 tornado that struck Windham, Ohio on April 17 damaged 34 homes, destroying 5 and causing major or minor damage to the others. At a public meeting, officials warned residents to be aware of contractor scams targeting elderly residents and those with cash on hand, advising them not to pay contractors upfront and to verify their insurance coverage. Relief efforts included donations from local businesses and organizations, with volunteers and community support helping residents clear debris while insurance adjusters worked through backlog caused by 43 tornadoes across Ohio since January.

A Fostoria, Ohio woman fell victim to a Facebook impersonation scam when hackers posed as her friend requesting her phone number under the pretense of account recovery, gaining access to her Facebook account and a linked debit card that resulted in unauthorized charges of $441 for an airline ticket to Australia and $113 to ARC. The same scammers subsequently used the same tactic to compromise accounts of her friends and family members across multiple states including Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Arizona, and Texas. Local authorities advise users to unlink payment methods from social media accounts and verify requests through independent contact methods before providing personal information.

An 81-year-old Ohio man, William Brock, fatally shot Uber driver Loletha Hall, 61, on March 25, 2024, after both became victims of a bail scam in which he was contacted by scammers claiming a relative was in jail and demanding cash. Brock, who had been threatened by the scammers and was instructed to have Hall pick up a package at his home, confronted her with a gun when she arrived; when she attempted to escape, he shot her multiple times, killing her. Brock was charged with murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping, and authorities continue investigating to identify the scammers who orchestrate

An 81-year-old Ohio man was charged with murder after shooting and killing Uber driver Loletha Hall, 61, on March 25, believing she was working with scammers who had called him claiming to be court officials demanding money for a supposed arrested family member. The scammer had actually ordered the Uber to pick up money from Brock's home, making both Brock and Hall unwitting victims of the same fraud scheme; Brock shot Hall three times when she arrived, and she died from her injuries. Brock was indicted on three counts of murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping, facing up to life in prison with a minimum of 15

A Senate report reveals that retirees across multiple states have been targeted by scams resulting in both significant financial losses and substantial IRS tax bills, with victims unable to deduct theft losses under current tax law. The report profiles cases such as a Pennsylvania retiree who lost $765,000 to a cryptocurrency scam and subsequently faced a $220,000 tax bill, highlighting how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act narrowed the theft loss deduction for individuals to only federally declared disasters. Senator Bob Casey calls for reversing these tax limitations to protect fraud victims from bearing additional tax burdens on their stolen retirement savings.

An 81-year-old Ohio man, William Brock, fatally shot Uber driver Loletha Hall, 61, in March 2024 after falling victim to a bail scam where scammers falsely claimed his relative was in jail and demanded cash. Hall, an innocent victim herself, had been directed through the Uber app to pick up a package at Brock's home as part of the same scam operation; when she arrived, Brock confronted her at gunpoint and shot her multiple times as she attempted to flee. Brock was charged with murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping, while the actual scammers who orchest

An 81-year-old Ohio man fatally shot an Uber driver after both became entangled in a telephone scam involving threats and demands for money. William Brock received calls from a scammer claiming a relative was incarcerated and demanding payment, while the same scammer directed driver Lo-Letha Hall to pick up a package from Brock's home, leading to a confrontation in which Brock shot Hall three times. This case illustrates the growing danger of phone scams targeting elderly individuals, particularly those involving false claims about incarcerated relatives.

A coordinated scam targeting both rideshare drivers and older adults in central Ohio manipulated victims into dangerous situations by falsely claiming packages or bail money needed to be picked up. The scam resulted in the fatal shooting of Uber driver Loletha Hall by 81-year-old William Brock, who believed she was part of the scheme after receiving threatening calls, and similarly endangered Lyft driver David Young two days earlier when a homeowner tried to detain him after being targeted by the same scammer.

Deepfake videos featuring celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez have been circulating on social media to scam consumers into revealing personal or financial information through fake endorsements for products like MacBooks and cookware. To identify these AI-generated scams, consumers should examine the video for unusual movements or facial expressions, distorted backgrounds, suspicious sources, and lack of context, and can use reverse image searches and hover over links before clicking. The general rule remains that if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is, and suspicious activity should be reported to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

Cindy Forbes of Toledo, Ohio fell victim to a virtual pickpocketing scam when two teenagers asked to use her phone at a Kroger store and instead manipulated her home screen to access her Cash App, fraudulently transferring at least $350 from her account. Forbes discovered the unauthorized transactions when she noticed her Cash App icon was missing from her phone's home screen and her family confirmed multiple unauthorized payments. She has filed reports with police, her bank, and Cash App, and now recommends others never allow strangers to handle their phones and to secure financial apps with PINs.

Following severe weather in Ohio, scammers have increased repair fraud targeting affected residents by demanding upfront payments and then either failing to return, abandoning projects, or delivering poor work. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency recommends verifying contractor licensing through the Better Business Bureau, requesting business information, and being wary of pressure to pay immediately, as these are common scam tactics.

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Following severe weather in Ohio on April 2 and March 14, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency issued a warning about home repair scams targeting residents seeking to repair storm damage. Scammers pose as contractors, pressuring homeowners for upfront payments and promising immediate work, then either failing to return, abandoning jobs, or delivering poor workmanship. The agency advises residents to verify contractor licensing, request business cards, and avoid contractors who pressure quick decisions.

This is a community announcement listing local senior services and events in the Mahoning County, Ohio area. Highlights include free AARP tax preparation for seniors, a P.E.R.I. meeting featuring a presentation on preventing healthcare fraud and medical identity theft, meal programs, job training opportunities for low-income seniors age 55+, and various social and recreational activities. No specific fraud incidents or financial losses are reported.

Two Indian nationals, Anil Mangukia, 39, and Yash Navadia, 25, were indicted on money laundering conspiracy charges for their roles in an elder fraud courier scam targeting older Americans, including a victim in Warren, Ohio. The defendants and coconspirators stole more than $127,000 and attempted to steal an additional $650,000 by posing as bank employees and government agents, falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised and instructing them to transfer money, purchase gold, or meet in person to hand over cash and valuables. The perpetrators employed multiple deception tactics including cryptocurrency transfers, direct bank transfers, and physical courier exchanges of

Ohio residents lost over $150 million to financial scams in 2023, with identity theft, imposter fraud, and online shopping scams being the most prevalent types, according to state authorities. Ohio ranked 12th nationally for identity theft cases in 2023, with younger residents at risk through social media exploitation and seniors vulnerable due to larger financial holdings. Law enforcement recommends reviewing financial statements regularly, avoiding unsolicited requests for payment via gift cards or prepaid cards, and remembering that legitimate government agencies do not solicit personal information via email.

A pharmacist fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam when scammers spoofed the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's number, falsely claiming her license was linked to a narcotics investigation and threatening arrest unless she paid a $500,000 bond. Over three months, the scammers manipulated her into moving $500,000 of her savings and retirement funds into a "protected account" and taking out two additional loans totaling $250,000, all of which went directly to the fraudsters. The article notes that scams are rising nationally, with Americans losing over $159 billion in 2023, and that professionals with specialized licenses and higher incomes—such as pharmacists

Terrence L. Pounds, 47, of Ohio, was sentenced to 94 months in prison for leading a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme that defrauded the Small Business Administration of over $4.2 million between March and December 2020. Pounds used stolen personal information to fraudulently apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans by falsely claiming applicants operated faith-based organizations with $1 million in revenue, and he used the proceeds to purchase luxury vehicles. He was ordered to pay $4,239,940.43 in restitution and forfeit the seized vehicles.

Princo Oduro, a 34-year-old former Chase bank employee from Ohio, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for operating multiple fraud schemes that defrauded victims of $1.8 million. Using stolen personal information from at least five Chase customers, Oduro ran romance scams—posing as a soldier, medical patient, or precious metals dealer—and laundered stolen funds through PayPal accounts, including targeting a widow by falsely claiming her deceased husband had stored valuable artwork. He has been ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution.

Joseph Vaske, 33, of Lima, Ohio, was charged with first-degree felony theft from a protected class for allegedly illegally appropriating over $150,000 in Social Security checks belonging to his father by cashing them and depositing the funds into his own account. A special agent with the Ohio Attorney General's Office testified at a suppression hearing regarding the investigation and Vaske's voluntary recorded interview, after his attorney challenged whether his constitutional rights were violated during questioning. The case is scheduled for jury trial on April 9.

The Cuyahoga County Scam Squad warned of a spike in arrest scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement, send fake court documents, and claim victims missed hearings or are under investigation—with a newer variant targeting PPP loan recipients using accurate loan information to appear credible. Scammers pressure victims to pay via gift cards or cryptocurrency, with one local resident losing $7,000 to such a scam this week. Law enforcement urges victims to hang up immediately, as legitimate police never demand money or threaten arrest over the phone, and to report incidents to local police or the Scam Squad hotline.

A Lake Charles, Louisiana man lost $300 in gift cards when two of four cards totaling $300 were drained before he could use them—one card was emptied in Ohio the same day it was purchased in Texas, while another was drained in Texas while in his possession in Louisiana. Scammers employ tactics including tampering with cards at retail kiosks, replacing PIN information, and purchasing additional gift cards to obscure the money trail, making resolution difficult for victims. Experts recommend examining gift cards for signs of tampering before purchase and treating them like cash.

In 2023, fraud losses nationwide reached a record $10 billion (a 14% increase from 2022), with Ohio residents alone losing over $154 million to scammers. Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence and psychological manipulation, with common tactics including imposter schemes (posing as government agencies, banks, or family members), romance-crypto scam hybrids, and employment scams; cryptocurrency investment scams averaged losses of over $3,000 per victim, while employment scams affected young adults (ages 18-44) with average losses of $2,000. Consumers can report suspected fraud to the FTC online or by calling 877-382

Prince Oduro, a 34-year-old former JPMorgan Chase employee in Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 8.5 years in federal prison for stealing $1.8 million from bank customers through wire fraud and money laundering, while simultaneously operating an online romance scam where he posed as a soldier, medical patient, or gold dealer to manipulate victims into sending money. One victim alone lost approximately $400,000 after Oduro convinced her that her deceased husband had stolen valuable artwork. Oduro was initially arrested in 2022, rearrested in November 2023 for continuing his scams, and has been ordered to repay all stolen funds.

Prince Oduro, a 34-year-old from Westerville, Ohio, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for conducting romance scams and money laundering schemes between 2015 and 2020. During his employment at JPMorgan Chase Bank, Oduro stole personal information from at least five customers and used it to launder over $1 million obtained through online romance scams; he continued committing fraud even after his initial arrest in February 2022, resulting in an additional $709,500 in losses. He was ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution for his crimes.

This article examines the psychological impact of scams on victims and the manipulation tactics used by scammers. A Cleveland woman who lost $4,000 to a home improvement scam shares her experience of emotional recovery, while clinical psychologists explain how scammers exploit fears and anxieties, and recommend self-awareness and questioning suspicious offers as key defenses. Scammers commonly use tactics including creating urgency, the "foot in door" technique, and reciprocity to manipulate victims.

As Ohio prepares for the April 8 solar eclipse, consumer watchdogs warn of scams targeting residents through fake eclipse glasses and fraudulent travel/accommodation bookings. Scammers exploit urgency and "fear of missing out" by selling counterfeit eclipse glasses that don't meet safety standards (particularly from unverified online sellers) and false claims of NASA approval, with one 2017 complaint involving over $500 spent on unsafe Chinese-made glasses. Consumers should purchase eclipse glasses only from verified vendors on the American Astronomical Society's official list (including retailers like Kroger and Walmart), avoid non-secure payment methods like Venmo, and be skeptical