Ohio Governor DeWine Proclaims April Fraud Prevention Month
Summary
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Fraud Prevention Month in Ohio, emphasizing that prevention, education, strong consumer protections, and public awareness are critical in helping consumers recognize common scams and stay informed of emerging fraud trends. The Ohio Department of Taxation is directing Ohioans to its new Fraud Awareness page, which provides guidance on common fraud schemes including identity theft, tax preparer fraud, social media scams, phishing, QR code scams, and business-related fraud, along with steps victims should take when contacting the Ohio Department of Taxation, IRS, FTC, Social Security Administration, Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section, and major credit bureaus.
“The Ohio Department of Taxation remains committed to protecting taxpayers through education, outreach, and resources.”
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Ohio Governor DeWine proclaimed April 2026 as Fraud Prevention Month via a non-binding gubernatorial proclamation, highlighting state government efforts to fight waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds. The Ohio Department of Taxation is using its new Fraud Awareness page to educate Ohioans on common fraud schemes including identity theft, tax preparer fraud, social media scams, phishing emails/texts, QR code scams, and business-related fraud.
Ohio consumers and residents should review the red flags described (unexpected refund messages, urgency tactics, requests for sensitive information, demands via gift cards or cryptocurrency) and take preventive steps including filing taxes promptly, securing Social Security Numbers and passwords, and avoiding suspicious links or QR codes. Those who suspect fraud should contact the Ohio Department of Taxation, IRS, FTC, Social Security Administration, Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section, and major credit bureaus.
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Apr 23, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
April 10, 2026
Earlier this month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation recognizing April as Fraud Prevention Month in Ohio.
The Governor and his administration are using this time to remind Ohioans of the work state government does every day to fight waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds.
The proclamation emphasizes that “prevention, education, strong consumer protections and public awareness are critical in helping consumers recognize common scams and keeping them informed of emerging fraud trends.”
Protecting Ohioans Every Day
The Ohio Department of Taxation remains committed to protecting taxpayers through education, outreach, and resources.
Ongoing efforts include social media awareness campaigns and online tools designed to help individuals recognize and avoid scams.
A key resource is the Department’s new Fraud Awareness page, which provides detailed guidance on:
- Common fraud schemes
- Warning signs to watch for
- Steps to protect yourself
- What to do if you become a victim Topics covered include identity theft, tax preparer fraud, social media scams, phishing emails and texts, QR code scams, and business-related fraud.
Know the Red Flags
Fraudsters often rely on urgency and fear to trick victims. Be cautious if you encounter:
- Unexpected messages about refunds or payments
- Threats or pressure to act immediately
- Requests for sensitive information like Social Security Numbers, passwords, or banking details
- Demands for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency Simple Steps to Stay Safe
Protecting yourself starts with a few key habits:
- File your taxes as soon as you can.
- Keep your Social Security Number, usernames, and passwords secure.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or scanning suspicious QR codes. What to Do if You’re a Victim
If you suspect fraud, acting quickly can make a big difference. Contact the appropriate agencies right away, including:
- The Ohio Department of Taxation
- The Internal Revenue Service
- The Federal Trade Commission
- The Social Security Administration
- The Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section You should also notify major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider filing a police report.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
By staying informed and taking simple precautions, Ohioans can help protect themselves and others from becoming victims.
For more information and resources, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation’s Fraud Awareness page.
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