Township Administrator’s Corner by Vito Sinopoli

In today’s digital age, where technology and convenience intersect, the prevalence of frauds and scams targeting unsuspecting people has become increasingly sophisticated. From online phishing schemes to in-person deception, scammers are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerable individuals. Some of the most common scams are causing millions of dollars in economic loss annually.

One recent scam affecting township residents involves individuals posing as technicians with the Microsoft Corporation, reaching out to users with claims of system errors or issues with their operating systems. These scammers often employ tactics of urgency and authority, convincing victims to provide access to their computers or divulge personal information.

In several instances, victims were asked to acquire gift cards or withdraw funds from a local bank to pay for services necessary to correct the computer problem. Remember, legitimate companies like Microsoft will never contact you unsolicited to fix computer problems. If in doubt, contact the company directly through official channels, separate from those the alleged company representative provides, and never send payment to someone without first confirming the authenticity of the claim.

Another common tactic preys on fear, with scammers impersonating law enforcement officials. They may inform you of a warrant for your arrest due to missed court appearances or outstanding fines. Law enforcement agencies do not typically contact individuals by phone to communicate such matters. Always verify the authenticity of any communication from purported officials by contacting the relevant authorities directly.

In-person scams are also on the rise, with individuals offering services such as home repairs at discounted rates. Beware of those claiming to have leftover materials from previous jobs or offering services door-to-door. Always research and vet service providers thoroughly before agreeing to any work, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Bath Township adopted transient vendor registration requirements that necessitate door-to-door vendors to register with the township. When in doubt, residents may contact the township offices or police dispatch to confirm if a vendor is approved to engage in door-to-door sales in the township.

Mail theft remains a persistent issue, particularly with the use of blue postal boxes. Thieves steal mail, including checks, from these boxes, which are then altered or bleached and fraudulently reissued. To protect yourself, consider utilizing online bill payment methods instead of physical checks and depositing mail inside the post office. If you must use checks, opt for gel pens recommended by your bank, as they are more resistant to tampering. In addition, many banks allow customers to set maximum payment thresholds to restrict checks fraudulently converted to higher amounts from being processed.

Vigilance is key in protecting yourself from scams. Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and be skeptical of unsolicited communications, whether online, over the phone or in person. Verify the identity of anyone requesting personal or financial information, and never hesitate to double-check with trusted sources or authorities if something seems suspicious.

Residents should take proactive measures to secure personal information and financial accounts. Regularly monitor bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible, and use strong, unique passwords for each online account. Consumers who’ve been the victims of fraud should contact law enforcement to document the incident and may file a claim with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, consumer fraud division, at ohioattorneygeneral.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov. ∞