COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio officials are warning residents about a utility scam that is reportedly targeting older adults across the state.
According to the Ohio Department of Aging, scammers are posing as department employees and calling residents in an attempt to obtain personal banking or financial account information under the guise of discussing utility bills.
Officials stress that the Ohio Department of Aging does not contact residents to request banking information over the phone.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call about a utility bill is urged to hang up immediately and avoid providing any personal or financial information. Residents are also encouraged to remain cautious, especially if a caller creates a sense of urgency or threatens service interruptions.
Suspected scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office through its online consumer complaint system.
