COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOWO) — Holiday scams have cost Ohio residents billions in recent years, and state officials are urging everyone to stay alert this season. Secretary of State Frank LaRose reported that between 2020 and 2024, Ohioans reported $50.5 billion in losses to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
LaRose emphasized that scammers take advantage of busy holiday shoppers, travelers, and charitable donors by using increasingly sophisticated tactics. He outlined the top five scams currently targeting Ohio residents:
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Fake shipping alerts – Texts or emails claiming delays from Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, or UPS. LaRose advises residents to never click on suspicious links and instead enter tracking numbers directly on official company websites.
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“Boss needs gift cards” scam – Fraudsters pose as supervisors asking employees to buy gift cards immediately. LaRose warns that these scams can cost small businesses thousands of dollars in a single afternoon. Always confirm requests directly through a trusted contact.
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Charity scams – Criminals use deepfake videos or false pleas for donations, often requesting cryptocurrency. LaRose urges Ohioans to give only through verified charity websites and avoid unverified links.
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Free gift or loyalty point phishing – Pop-ups or emails claiming you’ve won a prize. Secretary LaRose cautions that if you didn’t enter a contest, the message is fraudulent and should be closed and reported immediately.
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Public Wi-Fi “evil twin” networks – Fake networks in malls, airports, or coffee shops designed to steal personal information. LaRose advises using a phone hotspot or secure VPN when accessing sensitive accounts in public places.
“Scammers are constantly finding new ways to target Ohioans, especially during the busy holiday season,” LaRose said. “Stay alert, double-check financial requests, and don’t click on suspicious links to protect your money and personal information.”
Officials encourage residents to report scams and share warnings with family and friends to prevent others from falling victim during the holiday season.
