Every older Ohioan deserves to live and age with dignity and without the fear of fraud, intimidation or exploitation. Ohio is home to more than 2.8 million older adults, and they can be vulnerable to financial fraud. As scams become more sophisticated, today’s technology makes it easier for criminals to steal personal information, drain accounts, or trick them into unwillingly committing fraud.
Some examples of scams include:
- Phishing emails and unsolicited texts or phone calls asking for banking, credit card or other financial information.
- Fraudsters trying to get older adults to convert retirement assets into so-called “safer, guaranteed investments.”
- Imposters or hackers posing as friends or family members, asking older adults to send money immediately, usually by email or social media.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office (ohioattorneygeneral.gov), provides some consumer tips on “signs of a scam,” which include:
- Being asked to wire money to a stranger or friend in need
- Being selected for a mystery shopping job, especially if you never applied
- Pressure to “act now!”
- Being asked to buy a prepaid money card
- Sending money in advance to secure or insure a loan
- Winning a contest you’ve never heard of or entered
- Having to pay a fee to receive your “prize”
- Requests for your personal information
- Requests for a large down-payment
- A company that refuses to provide written information
In March 2026, AGE alerted Ohioans to reports of a phone scam involving individuals falsely claiming to represent the Golden Buckeye program. Residents reported receiving unsolicited calls from scammers attempting to obtain personal information, including protected data such as Social Security numbers. These calls are not from the Ohio Department of Aging.
“Fraud targeting older Ohioans isn’t just a financial threat, it’s an attack on their security and peace of mind,” says AGE Director Ursel McElroy. “Protecting older adults from scams is a responsibility we take seriously. When we empower people with the tools to recognize and report fraud, we help ensure that every older Ohioan can age with confidence and safety.”
Ohioans can report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at inquiries.ohioattorneygeneral.gov. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a scam should contact their local law enforcement agency. The Ohio Department of Commerce is also a resource for information and tips about how to avoid fraud.
Source: Ohio Department of Aging, aging.ohio.gov
