Common Scams
- Door-to-Door: Door-to-door solicitation in Whitehall, without a permit, is illegal. Whitehall City Ordinance 745.01 states that “no person shall engage in door to door selling or solicitations or public opinion poll taking in the City unless he shall first have secured a license from the Chief of Police…” Scammers often prey on persons through door to door solicitations and this ordinance helps protect Whitehall residents. If there is someone at your door trying to sell you products or services, do not let them into your home, ask to see their permit, and if in doubt call the Whitehall Division of Police at 614-237-6333 to verify the person’s permit.
- Phishing and Spoofing: Scammers use clever emails, websites, phone calls and text messages to “phish” for information by posing as a legitimate business. Never give personal information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they say they are from a trusted business, such as your bank. Scammers can use “spoofing” to disguise the phone number that appears on your caller ID to make their ploys seem more legitimate.
- Fake Checks: Someone sends you a check or money orderand asks you to deposit it in your account andwire-transfer back the money, minus a nicebonus for you — a “thank you” for helping.Regardless of the pitch, the result is the same:The check or money order you received iscounterfeit; it will be returned to your bankunpaid, and the full amount will be deductedfrom your account.
- Grandparent Scams: A con artist poses as your grandchild, claims tobe in trouble and asks you to send money viawire transfer or prepaid card. If you’re suspicious,ask a question only a family member would knowhow to answer; also, call your son or daughter toconfirm the claim.
- Phony Charities: Scammers invent fake charities. To verify thelegitimacy of a charitable group before makinga donation, call the Ohio Attorney General’sHelp Center at 800-282-0515.
- *Scam information as provided by the Ohio Attorney General. Download the Ohio Attorney General’s brochure here >>
Tips for Avoiding Scams
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is;
- Know who you’re dealing with;
- Know that wiring money is like sending cash;
- Use a credit card, rather than a debit card, cash or check. The Fair Credit Billing Act offers certain protections that other payment methods don’t;
- Read your monthly statements;
- After a disaster, give only to established charities. Charities can be researched through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau;
- Talk to your doctor before you buy health products or treatments;
- DO NOT let anyone use your cell phone, offer to call for them if they are requesting to make a call;
- DO NOT send money to someone you don’t know;
- DO NOT agree to deposit a check and wire money back; and
- DO NOT reply to messages asking for personal or financial information.