The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is alerting consumers about an increase in imposter scams across the state and country.
These schemes involve criminals pretending to be someone you trust, such as family members, tech support representatives, government officials or employees from well-known companies.
Scammers then use a combination of high-pressure tactics and fake emergency scenarios involving a family member or loved one to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information.
Many Ohioans are being targeted by these scams. In the first half of this year alone, there have been 12,837 reports of imposter scams involving either government or business imposters in Ohio according to data from the Federal Trade Commission. That is up nearly 47 percent from the 8,748 reports filed during the same time period in 2024.
Nationwide, these sophisticated fraud schemes cost Americans billions of dollars annually, with many victims suffering significant financial and emotional harm.
According to recent analysis from the FTC, reports from older adults who lost $10,000 or more to impersonation scams increased by more than 400 percent since 2020. Meanwhile, reports from adults aged 60 and over who lost more than $100,000 jumped by more than 800 percent, from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024.
“The rise in imposter scams is truly alarming, and the reality is that anyone can fall victim to these sophisticated schemes,” said Kevin Allard, superintendent of the Division of Financial Institutions. “These criminals are skilled at creating scenarios that can catch even the most cautious person off guard. The good news is there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from financial loss and the stress that comes with being victimized.”
Recognize the red flags
Stay alert for these common imposter scam warning signs:
- High-pressure tactics – Scammers create fake emergencies and demand immediate action.
- Unusual payment requests – Legitimate organizations never ask for gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
- Unsolicited contact – Be suspicious of unexpected calls, texts or emails claiming urgent problems.
- Information fishing – Legitimate companies won’t ask for passwords, Social Security numbers or account details over the phone.
- Too-good-to-be-true promises – Be wary of surprise winnings, grants or investment opportunities.
Take action to protect yourself
Follow these proven steps to safeguard your finances:
- Verify before you trust – Hang up and call the organization directly using official contact information found either on company letterhead or their official website.
- Never share personal details – Keep Social Security numbers, passwords and account information private.
- Slow down – Take time to think and consult with trusted family or friends before sharing private or sensitive information.
- Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, it probably is, so don’t act.
- Stay informed – Take time to stay up to date on current scam trends so you can spot them quickly.
If you feel you have been the victim of an imposter scam, you should always contact local law enforcement as well as the credit reporting agencies to let them know your information has been compromised. You should also report it to the Ohio Attorney General as well as the Office of Consumer Affairs within the Division of Financial Institutions at 866-278-0003 or we********@******io.gov….
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