Scammers Pose As Homeland Security To Rip Off Ohioans

OHIO — Scammers are posing as Homeland Security agents to rip off Ohioans.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety is investigating several possible scams that occurred recently with perpetrators claiming to be members of Ohio Homeland Security (OHS).

The scammers call Ohioans and tell them their identity has been stolen. They spoof their caller ID so phones register the number as the OHS main line (614-387-6171). Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies information transmitted to a phone's caller ID to disguise their identity.

Ohio Homeland Security does not investigate person identity theft. Agents would not call residents about these issues.

“If you receive these calls, don’t fall for this scam,” said Ohio Homeland Security Executive Director Brian Quinn. “Hang up immediately and report it to either your local law enforcement or the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center (STACC) at 1-877-647-4683.”

The Ohio Department of Public Safety offered the following tips to avoid being ripped off:

• Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry.
• Be wary of callers claiming that you've won a prize or vacation package.
• Hang up on suspicious phone calls.
• Be cautious of caller ID.