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During the holiday season, Ohio's Department of Commerce hopes Buckeye State residents will step up their game in avoiding scams and other attempts to steal their hard earned money.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission officials say organizations globally lose about 5% of their annual revenue to fraud; and American consumers lose billions of dollars.
Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield takes the fight to help residents protect themselves seriously.
"Protecting Ohioans from losing their money through scams and fraud is one of our department's key missions," she said.
To that end, employees of the divisions of Financial Institutions, Securities, and Real Estate work daily to help both businesses and consumers minimize the impact of fraud.
They promote anti-fraud awareness and education, as well as respond to complaints and take action through all the channels available to them.
That doesn't mean residents should relax. Be smart, ask question, and report suspicions. There are plenty of avenues to do so.
There is never a good time to let down your guard on the criminals who take advantage of organizations and individual consumers. But this is a good opportunity to look for new ways to be vigilant in protecting what is yours.