Scams and advice

Weather-Related Scams: Protect Yourself This Storm Season

As spring and summer storms roll in, so do scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners in need of urgent repairs. Whether it’s tornado damage, flooding, or severe storms, bad actors seize the opportunity to trick people out of their hard-earned money. Here’s how you can spot a scam and ensure you’re working with a trustworthy contractor.

How to Identify a Home-Repair Scam

Be wary of contractors who:

• Urge you to act immediately, creating a false sense of urgency.

• Request payment in cash, gift cards, or wire transfers.

• Demand a large down payment before any work begins.

• Refuse to provide written estimates or contracts.

• Claim to have leftover materials from a nearby job, offering an unbelievably low price.

Scammers may either take your money and disappear or perform shoddy work, leaving you with even more costly repairs.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515

How to Find a Reliable Contractor

• Research contractors before signing anything. Check with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints or lawsuits.

• Get multiple written estimates and insist on a contract.

• Pay in increments, not upfront. A good rule of thumb is to pay in thirds—one at the start, one halfway through, and one upon completion.

• Use a credit card when possible, as it offers more protection than cash or checks.

• Be cautious of door-to-door contractors who pressure you to make quick decisions. They must provide a three-day right to cancel before work begins.

Taking these precautions can help protect your home—and your wallet—from post-storm scammers.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515

How to Safely Donate

• Research charities before giving money. Websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar can provide legitimacy checks.

• Avoid donating via unsolicited calls or messages.

• Pay with a credit card for additional security.

• Be cautious of crowdfunding pages—verify that the person or group is reputable.

By staying informed, you can ensure your donations actually help those in need rather than lining a scammer’s pocket.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515

Charity Scams: Fake Disaster Relief Organizations on the Rise

Natural disasters bring out the best in many people—but also the worst in scammers. After major storms or flooding, fraudulent charities pop up, preying on the goodwill of Ohioans who want to help. Before you donate, watch out for these red flags.

Signs of a Fake Charity

• High-pressure tactics urging you to donate immediately.

• Lack of clear information on how funds will be used.

• Requests for payment via cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

• The use of a personal name instead of an official organization for donations.

• Callers who refuse to provide details about the charity’s mission or legitimacy.

Scammers often use names similar to well-known charities to trick people. Before donating, verify the organization with the Ohio Attorney General’s charity resources or other reputable watchdogs.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515

Storm Chasers: The Rise of Fraudulent Contractors After Disasters

After severe storms, so-called “storm chasers” flood into affected areas, offering quick and cheap repairs. But many of these traveling contractors take advantage of desperate homeowners, leaving behind unfinished or subpar work.

How They Operate

• They knock on doors, claiming to have leftover materials from a previous job.

• They offer unrealistically low prices and demand large down payments.

• They may perform minimal work before disappearing.

• Some even pose as FEMA representatives to gain trust.

How to Avoid the Scam

• Verify the contractor’s license and references.

• Never pay in full upfront.

• Insist on a written contract with clear terms.

• Contact your insurance company before agreeing to any repairs.

• Avoid contractors who pressure you to make an immediate decision.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515

A Guide to Smart Vehicle Buying in Ohio

Buying a vehicle is a major financial decision, and it’s crucial to protect yourself both financially and legally. Whether you’re purchasing a new or used car, taking the right steps can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you get the best deal possible.

Planning Your Purchase

Before stepping onto a car lot, consider how much you can afford to spend. If you’re financing the vehicle with a loan, follow these steps to improve your chances of approval and secure a favorable interest rate:

• Check Your Credit Report – Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to review your credit report and correct any errors. Lenders use this information to determine your eligibility and interest rate.
• Understand Dealership Financing – Ask which financial institutions the dealership works with and research them beforehand. Some dealerships provide in-house financing, while others use third-party lenders.
• Calculate the Total Loan Cost – Beyond just the monthly payment, factor in the loan’s interest rate and total number of payments to understand the full cost.

Buying a Used Vehicle? Do Your Homework

Purchasing a used vehicle requires extra caution. Before committing to a purchase, research the car’s history using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at VehicleHistory.gov. This report can tell you if the vehicle has been in accidents, how many owners it has had, and its service history.

Be particularly cautious when buying a car “as is.” This means you assume responsibility for any issues the moment you drive off the lot. If you’re uncertain, consider having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Legal Protections for Ohio Car Buyers

Ohio offers several legal protections for consumers if something goes wrong with a vehicle purchase:

Title Defect Recision (TDR) Law

Licensed dealers in Ohio can sell used vehicles before obtaining the title. However, if they fail to provide the title within 40 days of purchase, you may be entitled to a refund. Additional refund eligibility may apply if:

• You bought a rebuilt salvage vehicle without being informed beforehand.
• The dealer made an incorrect odometer disclosure at the time of sale.
• You purchased a Lemon Law “buyback” vehicle without receiving written notice.

Motor Vehicle Repairs and Services Rule

If a car repair is estimated to cost $50 or more, you have the right to request a written estimate. Additionally, if the repair cost exceeds 10% more than the estimate, the shop must get your approval before proceeding.

Ohio Lemon Law

Ohio’s Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease new vehicles that develop serious problems within the first year or 18,000 miles.

When Does the Lemon Law Apply?

• The issue is covered under warranty.
• The problem significantly impacts the vehicle’s safety, value, or usability.
• The issue occurs within one year or 18,000 miles of ownership.

How to File a Claim

1. Give the dealership or manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to fix the issue.
2. If the problem persists, you can file a Lemon Law complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

What Does the Lemon Law Cover?

• Full vehicle purchase price
• Incidental damages, such as towing, meals, lodging, and rental cars
• Reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs

Protect Yourself from Scams

Before doing business with any dealership, research its reputation and check for consumer complaints on the Ohio Attorney General’s website. For additional guidance, the Attorney General’s Used Car Buyer Checklist can help you evaluate dealerships and find a reliable vehicle.

If you suspect a scam or an unfair business practice, contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or call 800-282-0515.

By taking these precautions and understanding your rights, you can confidently navigate the car-buying process and make a smart, informed purchase.