Ohio Department of Taxation Urges Vigilance During Fraud Prevention Month
COLUMBUS, Ohio —The Ohio Department of Taxation is reminding Ohioans to stay alert and protect their personal and financial information as part of Fraud Prevention Month.
Recognized through a proclamation by Governor Mike DeWine, Fraud Prevention Month highlights the importance of awareness and education in preventing scams and identity theft. State agencies are working together to provide resources to help Ohioans recognize fraudulent activity and avoid becoming victims. (Ohio.gov)
“Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to target individuals and businesses,” said Tax Commissioner Patricia Harris. “Taking a few simple steps to protect your personal information can make a significant difference.”
Common Tax-Related Scams
The Department warns taxpayers to be cautious of schemes that attempt to mimic official communications. These may include:
- Messages claiming a refund is pending or requires action
- Requests for personal or financial information via text, email, or phone
- Fake websites designed to look like official government pages
The Ohio Department of Taxation does not contact taxpayers by text message or social media to ask for personal or financial information and will not request payments through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Tips to Protect Yourself
Ohioans are encouraged to take the following steps to avoid scams:
- Do not click on suspicious links or respond to unexpected messages.
- Never share personal or financial information through text or email.
- Verify website addresses before entering sensitive information.
- Contact the Department directly using official channels if you are unsure.
Fraud and identity theft remain a growing concern, with scams becoming more sophisticated through the use of digital tools and impersonation tactics. (Area Agency on Aging)
Report Suspicious Activity
Anyone who believes they have encountered a scam or may be a victim of identity theft should report it to the Ohio Department of Taxation or the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
Additional resources, including fraud prevention tips and guidance, are available on our Fraud Awareness page.
Media Contact:
For more information, contact:
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Anne Cordial Harkin, Chief of Communications, at anne.harkin@tax.ohio.gov
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Andrea Lannom, Public Information Officer at andrea.lannom@tax.ohio.gov.
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