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State Representatives Matthew Kishman (R-Minerva) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) provided sponsor testimony this week in the House Financial Institutions Committee on House Bill 648, also known as the...

# AI-Powered Scams Target Northeast Ohio Residents The FBI is warning Northeast Ohio residents about increasingly sophisticated scams using artificial intelligence to impersonate family members, bank representatives, and romantic partners through fake phone calls, cloned voices, and manipulated images and videos. Victims are being targeted with urgent requests for money transfers or personal information, with scammers using AI to create convincing fake documents and deepfakes that appear authentic. To protect yourself, pause before responding to suspicious calls or messages, establish a family code word to verify identity, scrutinize details in videos or images for inconsistencies, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Ohio's Attorney General is launching a statewide campaign partnering with banks, healthcare providers, and pharmacies to help identify and stop financial exploitation of elderly people before it happens, since seniors are particularly vulnerable to scams and fraud. Front-line professionals like bank tellers, doctors, and pharmacists will receive training to spot warning signs such as unusual withdrawals or sudden changes in financial behavior. If you know an older person at risk, the article advises talking to them about potential scams, helping them understand what to watch for, and offering support if they need to report abuse.

Ohio's Attorney General is leading a statewide campaign partnering with banks, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to help detect and prevent financial exploitation of elderly residents, who are often vulnerable to scams and fraud. Frontline professionals like bank tellers, pharmacists, and healthcare workers are being trained to recognize warning signs such as unusual withdrawals or sudden changes in financial behavior, and to encourage victims to report abuse. If you suspect an elderly person is being exploited, reach out to them directly, educate them about common scams, and offer support in reporting the crime to authorities.

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# Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation in Ohio Ohio's Attorney General has launched new partnerships with banks, healthcare organizations, and pharmacies to combat financial exploitation and elder abuse, which is growing increasingly sophisticated. The initiative focuses on training these organizations to recognize warning signs like unusual withdrawals and suspicious transactions, then report them to law enforcement before elderly residents lose money. If you're concerned about an older adult's financial activity or suspect exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the Ohio Attorney General's office.

# Romance Scam Summary Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion in 2023, with scammers exploiting lonely individuals by building emotional connections online before requesting money for emergencies. One Ohio woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a scammer posing as "Matthew" before realizing she'd been defrauded. Banks recommend never sending money to someone you haven't physically met and verified, and tellers are now trained to watch for signs of romance fraud.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced new partnerships with banks, health care providers, and pharmacists to combat financial exploitation and elder abuse, which often goes undetected through subtle signs like unusual bank withdrawals or changes in spending patterns. These frontline professionals are being trained to recognize warning signs of abuse and will distribute educational materials to help victims and families seek help. Older Ohioans should be alert to suspicious financial activity in their accounts and report concerns to local law enforcement or the Attorney General's Office.

An Ohio Uber driver named Lo-Letha Toland-Hall was shot and killed in March 2024 after being lured to a home by a scammer; the homeowner, who had received threatening calls from the scammer, mistakenly believed Toland-Hall was there to rob him and fatally shot her. The case highlights the dangers of AI-powered voice scams, which can have real-world violent consequences beyond financial loss. To protect yourself, be cautious about unexpected requests for pickups or deliveries, verify requests through official app channels, and never respond to threatening calls by confronting strangers—contact authorities instead.

Ohio state representatives have introduced the ELDER Act to combat growing cryptocurrency ATM scams that disproportionately target elderly and vulnerable residents who lose tens of thousands of dollars to fraudsters in minutes. The legislation would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed as money transmitters and subject to financial oversight, along with implementing disclosure requirements and anti-fraud safeguards similar to those for traditional financial services. To protect yourself, be cautious of cryptocurrency transactions in public kiosks, verify the legitimacy of operators, and consult trusted financial advisors before moving significant sums into digital currencies.

Ohio state representatives introduced House Bill 648 (the ELDER Act) to combat a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams that disproportionately target elderly Americans and vulnerable populations. The bill would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed as money transmitters with financial oversight, and mandate clear risk warnings and disclosure requirements to prevent fraud. The legislation aims to protect consumers from losing tens of thousands of dollars to scammers who exploit confusion around cryptocurrency at kiosks located in common public spaces like grocery stores and gas stations.

Ohio state representatives have introduced House Bill 648 (the ELDER Act) to combat a growing wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams that have particularly targeted elderly and vulnerable Ohioans, who have lost tens of thousands of dollars in minutes to fraudsters exploiting confusion about crypto technology. The legislation would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed as money transmitters and comply with strict financial oversight, disclosure requirements, and anti-fraud safeguards similar to other financial service providers. To protect yourself, be cautious of cryptocurrency ATM transactions, verify operator legitimacy and licensing, and consult trusted sources before investing in unfamiliar financial technologies—especially if pressured by someone you don't know.

Two Indian-origin men have been charged with money laundering for allegedly defrauding elderly people across Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio through schemes impersonating tech workers, Microsoft support, PayPal representatives, and FTC officials. The scammers targeted vulnerable seniors, with at least one victim losing $40,000 in cash. Elderly people should be cautious of unsolicited calls about computer problems or account issues, verify caller identity through official channels, and never send money or personal information to unknown callers claiming to represent major companies or government agencies.

Scammers in Lucas County, Ohio are calling residents and impersonating court officials, claiming victims have active warrants and demanding payment over the phone to resolve them. The Lucas County Probate Court and Prosecutor's Office have confirmed these calls are fraudulent, as they never contact people by phone about warrants or request payments this way. If you receive such a call, hang up without sharing personal information and call the prosecutor's office directly at 419-213-4700 to verify the caller's legitimacy.

The City of Athens, Ohio lost $722,000 to a cyber scam in November 2024 when employees fell for a spoofed email requesting payment for fire station construction work via direct deposit instead of the usual check method. Although the state auditor's office did not penalize individual employees in this audit, the city was required to implement better security controls, and the FBI's ongoing investigation could still result in consequences during the next financial audit. To protect against similar scams, organizations should verify any changes to payment methods or vendor information through direct contact rather than relying on email alone, and watch for subtle name changes that could indicate fraudulent communications.

California has revoked over 280 fraudulent hospice licenses in the past two years as part of a crackdown on schemes where operators enrolled Medicare patients in hospice care without their knowledge or proper services, potentially costing billions in taxpayer money. The fraud affected vulnerable elderly patients across multiple states including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, with some operators using illegal tactics like "license flipping" to avoid regulatory oversight. Patients and their families should verify hospice provider legitimacy through state licensing boards and Medicare's official resources, and report suspicious enrollment or lack of services to federal authorities immediately.

A Boardman, Ohio woman lost over $2,400 to scammers posing as Zelle customer service representatives while trying to complete a small Facebook Marketplace transaction. The fraudsters convinced her to send money through various payment methods by claiming it was necessary to process a $15 payment, ultimately draining her account through unauthorized Zelle transfers. To protect yourself, always obtain customer service numbers directly from a company's official website rather than through Google searches, as scammers often create fake listings and lookalike websites to intercept victims.

A 16-year-old Ohio student named Charlie Landers is teaching seniors in Akron how to recognize and avoid scams, inspired by his study of ethics and artificial intelligence. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes—including fake messages, romance scams, and AI-generated voice impersonations—with U.S. seniors losing over $4.8 billion to scams last year. Landers recommends seniors verify suspicious links using tools like VirusTotal, stay alert to requests for untraceable payments like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and understand that scammers exploit human emotions rather than just technical vulnerabilities.

An 83-year-old Ohio man was convicted of murdering an Uber driver in March 2024 after he mistakenly believed she was part of a scam to extort $12,000 from him. Both the man and the driver fell victim to the same fraud scheme—the man received threatening calls demanding bond money for a relative, while the driver unknowingly picked up a package at his home as part of the scam and was shot six times. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls demanding money for relatives, never assume someone is a threat based on a scammer's claims, and contact police if you receive extortion threats rather than taking matters into your own hands.

Scammers have been sending text messages to church members in Youngstown, Ohio, impersonating pastors and requesting hundreds of dollars in gift cards for purported charitable needs. The vulnerable elderly and seniors are being particularly targeted, as the fraudulent messages create a false sense of urgency and are often riddled with spelling errors. Church officials advise anyone receiving suspicious texts claiming to be from their pastor to contact their church directly before sending any money, since legitimate churches never request funds via text or email.

Following a major federal fraud scandal in Minnesota involving misused nutrition program funds, Ohio's State Auditor Keith Faber announced the state is investigating allegations of fraud in daycare, Medicaid, and elder care programs, while emphasizing that investigations will not involve racial profiling despite online claims targeting Somali-run businesses. Faber stated that fraud investigations occur across all communities in Ohio and are based on specific tips rather than ethnicity or socioeconomic status. If you suspect government fraud, you can report it to Ohio's auditor at 1-866-FRAUDOH or ohioauditor.gov.

The Ohio Secretary of State's Office has identified five common scams currently circulating, particularly during the holiday season, and is urging people to protect themselves. If you receive a suspicious email or text message, experts recommend pausing before responding and asking someone you trust to verify it first. Being cautious and seeking a second opinion can help you avoid falling victim to these scams.

# Elder Fraud and Abuse Summary Elder abuse costs the U.S. over $2.3 billion annually and affects the region's growing aging population through financial scams and exploitation by family members and caregivers. West Virginia and Ohio rank among the nation's best states for elder-abuse protections (9th and 5th respectively), though West Virginia still struggles with nursing home quality and volunteer ombudsman availability. To protect themselves, seniors and their families should stay aware of common scams, utilize state protections and volunteer advocacy organizations, and thoroughly vet care facilities before placing loved ones in their care.

Seniors in the U.S. are increasingly vulnerable to scams and abuse, which costs over $2.3 billion annually and causes immeasurable human harm. The good news is that West Virginia and Ohio rank among the top states for elder-abuse protections, though improvements are still needed in areas like nursing home quality. To help protect older relatives and friends, caregivers should monitor their financial accounts for suspicious activity and warn them to be cautious of new contacts claiming to be friends or relatives.

Elder abuse costs the nation over $2.3 billion annually and is a growing concern as the population ages, with seniors falling victim to both financial scams and exploitation by caregivers and family members. While West Virginia and Ohio rank among the best states for elder-abuse protections, there are still significant gaps, particularly in nursing home quality and the availability of volunteer ombudsmen to advocate for seniors. To help protect vulnerable older adults, family members and caregivers should monitor their finances for suspicious activity, warn them about potential scams involving new "friends" or relatives, and stay vigilant about their overall wellbeing.

During the 2024 holiday season, Ohio residents and people nationwide face a surge of sophisticated scams that have cost Americans over $50 billion between 2020 and 2024, with the most common schemes including fake shipping alerts, fake urgent requests from authority figures for gift cards, convincing charity impersonations, phishing for loyalty points, and dangerous public Wi-Fi networks. Consumers of all ages are vulnerable during the busy holiday period when scammers exploit the seasonal chaos to catch people off guard. To protect yourself, take a few seconds to verify shipping notifications directly through official retailer websites, never respond to unexpected urgent requests for gift cards, donate only through official charity channels you've verified independently, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.

Elder abuse costs the U.S. over $2.3 billion annually and affects a growing aging population vulnerable to financial scams and exploitation by both strangers and trusted caregivers. While West Virginia and Ohio rank among the nation's best for elder-abuse protections, vulnerabilities remain in areas like nursing home quality and volunteer oversight. To help protect seniors, caregivers and family members should monitor elderly relatives' financial accounts for suspicious activity and encourage caution with digital transactions.

A 31-year-old Ghanaian man named Frederick Kumi has been arrested and charged with operating a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $8 million since 2023. The scam used AI-generated fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims on social media and dating apps, then convinced them to send money for fabricated emergencies or investments. Elderly people should be cautious of online romantic relationships with strangers, verify identities through video calls, and never send money to people they haven't met in person—especially those claiming sudden financial emergencies.

Ohio officials are warning shoppers about a rising wave of holiday gift card scams as spending is expected to exceed $32 billion statewide, with scammers using tactics like pressuring victims to buy cards for fake fees or tampering with card packaging to steal funds. Ohio ranked in the top 10 states for fraud complaints last year with over $278 million in losses, and the scams often target people rushing with last-minute holiday shopping. To protect yourself, watch for suspicious payment requests, unusually high-pressure tactics, and deals that seem too good to be true—and if you believe you've been scammed, contact the gift card company immediately and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Scammers exploited George Tsaftarides' popular TikTok account ("George The Tailor," 40,000+ followers) by creating fake profiles and AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating him to sell products on dropshipping websites and solicit donations through fabricated sob stories across multiple platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Tsaftarides and his daughter Daisy Yelichek have repeatedly reported and blocked these fraudulent accounts but continue to struggle against the scam, as platforms like Shopify offer little assistance in locating the perpetrators.

Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to Ohio residents impersonating state agencies including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ohio Turnpike, and Department of Taxation. State agencies will never contact citizens via unsolicited text messages, and residents should report suspicious messages to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

An elderly victim in Bristolville, Ohio, and his sister lost over $1.6 million in a cryptocurrency investment scam that began with a text from an unknown person claiming to be named "Zach." The scammer, operating under the username "Shaw Goddess" on Telegram, posed as a successful investor and convinced the victim to open accounts on Crypto.com and Strike.com, ultimately directing him to transfer over $1 million to a fake investment platform; when withdrawal attempts failed, the victim realized the fraud. Federal investigators used blockchain analysis to trace approximately $200,000 of the stolen funds to a Tether cryptocurrency address, which was frozen by Tether Limited in December

Georgia prison inmates, including an imprisoned rapper, were sentenced in Ohio for operating a phone scam from behind bars that impersonated law enforcement officers and targeted registered sex offenders nationwide, netting thousands of dollars before being uncovered by Ohio investigators. Marquis Conner received four years in prison and ordered to pay $9,400 in restitution; co-defendants Emmitt Wells and Johnathan Ford each received three years, while Julissa Casanas was placed on community control for processing payments. The scheme involved contraband cellphones in Georgia prisons and represents part of a larger pattern of fraud within the state's correctional system.

Perry Forensic, a division of Perry & Associates CPAs, hired three experienced forensic professionals: Steven A. Bodge (certified fraud examiner with 30+ years of insurance fraud investigation experience), David A. Tracewell (retired IRS forensic accountant with 30 years of federal tax examination expertise), and Jeff Harper (CPA with 40+ years in financial management and consulting). Bodge will also provide free elder fraud prevention seminars in the Mid-Ohio Valley region, addressing a significant problem that cost Americans over 60 more than $4.8 billion in 2024.

An Ohio man was scammed out of $70 after receiving fake AI videos on Facebook from an account impersonating singer Jelly Roll, claiming he had won $50,000 and a car. The victim was convinced by a second video in which the AI used his full name, and was instructed to send money via Apple gift cards before a family member warned him of the scam. The victim reported the incident to police and is warning others to be skeptical of unsolicited prize claims and requests for payment via gift cards.

Scammers are increasingly targeting senior citizens with evolving schemes involving cryptocurrency, gift cards, and virtual currencies, often using urgent or threatening language about fines, arrests, or family emergencies to pressure victims into immediate payment. Ohio reported 16,741 financial exploitation referrals of older residents between July 2024 and June 2025, demonstrating the widespread impact of these frauds. Key prevention measures include avoiding sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts, verifying requests through official phone numbers, researching businesses before sending money, and trusting instincts when offers seem suspicious.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services warned of rising cryptocurrency scams targeting the elderly, with victims in Muskingum County losing over $138,000 in 2025 alone due to the irreversible nature of crypto transactions. Officials advise Ohioans to be skeptical of urgent requests for crypto or gift cards from phone calls or emails claiming to be from banks or government agencies, and to report suspected elder exploitation of individuals 60 and older to local Adult Protective Services.

Cuyahoga County First Assistant Prosecutor Diane Russell and local law enforcement held an educational presentation at the Parma Heights Senior Center to inform approximately 80 seniors about current fraud and scam tactics targeting older adults. The presentation emphasized that most scams begin with unsolicited phone calls or texts, and advised seniors to hang up, verify caller identity independently, and consult trusted contacts or police before responding to suspicious communications.

A man in Springfield, Ohio was targeted by scammers using a deepfake video of rapper Jelly Roll claiming he had won a car and $50,000, with the catch that shipping costs needed to be paid upfront. The victim initially resisted but was convinced after receiving a second deepfake video personalized with his name, ultimately sending $70 in Apple gift cards before a family member intervened. This case illustrates how AI-generated celebrity deepfakes, combined with common scam tactics like requesting untraceable gift card payments, are increasingly used to defraud victims.

Scammers are increasingly targeting older residents across the country with sophisticated fraud schemes, including requests for payment via Bitcoin, gift cards, or other virtual currencies, often using urgent or threatening language about fines, arrests, or endangered loved ones. Ohio reported 16,741 financial exploitation referrals of older residents between July 2024 and June 2025. The key protective measures include verifying contact through official channels, researching businesses before sending money, avoiding unsolicited requests for personal information, and trusting instincts when offers seem too good to be true.

Ohio state agencies warn of rising cryptocurrency scams targeting older adults, where scammers contact victims via phone, text, or email claiming they must pay fines or correct banking errors using Bitcoin or gift cards. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging urge residents and families to remain vigilant against these virtual currency fraud schemes.

The Southwest Ohio Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, in partnership with the Kettering Police Department and Lathrem Senior Center, will host a free educational seminar on August 28, 2025, designed to help seniors recognize, report, and avoid consumer scams. The seminar will cover current scam trends and protection strategies, with in-person attendance at the Lathrem Senior Center and a virtual Zoom option available for remote participants.

The Ohio Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to be vigilant against scams, as the Federal Trade Commission reports consumers lost over $5 billion to investment scams in 2024. The article provides advice on protecting personal finances and keeping money secure from fraudulent schemes.

A Northeast Ohio resident nearly fell victim to a jury duty scam after receiving a spoofed call from someone claiming to be a Trumbull County deputy stating he had missed jury duty and had a warrant for his arrest. The scammer instructed him to post bail, and the victim was en route to a bail bondsman with cash when he realized the deception after about two hours on the phone. County authorities warn that this scam is prevalent in the region, with variations including fake websites collecting Social Security numbers and driver's licenses, with victims losing $8,500-$10,000, and advise that legitimate courts only contact residents via U.S. mail and law enforcement never calls about missed court appearances

This educational article warns older adults to recognize signs of financial exploitation by family members or caregivers, noting that the FBI reported nearly $4.9 billion stolen from seniors last year with investment scams causing the largest losses at $1.8 billion. The piece outlines warning signs of exploitation—such as sudden asset transfers, forged signatures, and unexplained disappearances of funds—and directs Ohio residents to report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services at 330-296-2273. The article also provides information about the Summer Crisis Cooling Program to help seniors aged 60 and older pay electric bills if they meet income requirements.

In May, a 67-year-old Ohio man was targeted by scammers who falsely claimed his Apple ID was compromised with $27,000 in fraudulent charges, then sent an accomplice to his home to collect cash in person; the victim handed over money before becoming suspicious, leading to the arrest of 42-year-old Liwei Zhang on charges of theft, identity fraud, and telecommunications fraud. Similar in-person collection scams have targeted multiple elderly victims across the country, with perpetrators like Canadian citizen Jia Hua Liu collecting over $300,000 from vulnerable seniors. The article advises victims to verify suspicious texts independently using official phone numbers, never send money

Social Security scams employ three primary tactics: fake remote job offers that request personal information and upfront fees, phishing emails impersonating the Social Security Administration to direct victims to fraudulent websites, and in-person schemes where imposters posing as government officials convince victims to provide cash or valuables. Recent cases include a victim who gave $2 million in gold bars to someone claiming to be a CIA agent and an Ohio woman who liquidated $500,000 in retirement savings to purchase gold for phone scammers. Protect yourself by avoiding unsolicited job offers and payment requests, verifying emails end in ".gov," and reporting suspicious activity to the Social Security Administration or Office of the Inspector General.

Sinera Jones, 46, was sentenced to three years of probation with two months of home detention and ordered to pay $143,598.47 in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiring with Cleveland city councilman Basheer Jones to defraud local nonprofits between December 2018 and June 2021. The scheme involved false consulting invoices, fraudulent property transactions, and redirecting nonprofit funds intended for Ward 7 revitalization projects into accounts the conspirators controlled. The fraud defrauded multiple nonprofits of over $140,000 through wire fraud and honest services fraud.

In 2024, U.S. consumers lost $5.7 billion to investment scams—a 24% increase from 2023—prompting Ohio's Department of Commerce Division of Securities to issue warnings to state investors. Common tactics include promises of guaranteed high returns with minimal risk, pressure to act quickly, and recruitment through social media and online ads, with scammers often using fake success stories to deceive victims into investing in fraudulent or unregistered securities. The Division recommends verifying that promoters are licensed through FINRA, researching investments thoroughly, and consulting independent professionals before committing funds.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested in July after conducting a multi-state door-to-door scam targeting seniors across Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, and Tennessee, defrauding victims of an estimated $309,000 total. One Charlestown, Indiana resident was tricked into withdrawing $27,000 from his retirement accounts and handing it over in cash; three additional attempted scams in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were prevented by family members, potentially saving another $70,000 in losses. Liu was apprehended at Louisville airport while attempting to flee the country and faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, an