Ohio Attorney General's October Consumer Alert: Beware Fair Fraud and Property-Tax Relief Scams, and Never Pay for Government Forms
The Ohio Attorney General's office used its October 2026 Consumer Advocate newsletter to warn residents about fair fraud and property-tax relief scams, stressing that no one should ever pay to obtain a government form.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, organized by the National Cybersecurity Alliance under the theme 'Don't make it easy on them,' encouraging consumers to proactively make life difficult for cybercriminals. The newsletter also carried tips for avoiding fraud at fairs and fall festivals.
On property taxes, the newsletter noted that Ohio has legitimate state-level relief, such as the existing Homestead Exemption for qualifying homeowners, and that recent legislation authorizes a one-time, state-funded property tax reduction for eligible recipients in 2027. Precisely because real relief programs exist, officials said, impostor schemes that charge fees to 'help' apply are a risk.
The attorney general's office stated plainly that Ohioans should not pay to access any government forms, and should verify who they are dealing with before handing over personal information or fees.
Consumers who suspect a scam or an unfair business practice can contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at 800-282-0515 or file a complaint through its consumer protection pages.
Ohio Attorney General official website
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 哥伦布市俄亥俄州议会大厦（资料图）。CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus (file photo). CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
