Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in Ohio
I. Overview: Ohio’s Senior Population & Key Cities
Ohio has a population of approximately 11.8 million as of 2024, with more than 2.1 million residents aged 65 and older — accounting for about 17.8% of the state’s total population. This growing senior population is increasingly being targeted by online scammers using tactics such as tech support fraud, fake investment schemes, and Medicare phishing attacks.
The largest cities in Ohio — each with substantial elder populations — are:
- Columbus (approx. 920,000 people)
- Cleveland (approx. 370,000 people)
- Cincinnati (approx. 310,000 people)
These urban areas are not only aging rapidly but also represent the most common zones for elder fraud incidents in the state. Protecting older adults requires awareness, community vigilance, and immediate access to trusted law enforcement and reporting channels.
II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Ohio’s Seniors
In 2024, Ohio had 5,388 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $95,441,773.
Loss by Crime Type
| Crime Type | Loss Amount |
| Investment | $31,963,744 |
| Tech Support | $10,931,422 |
| Government Impersonation | $9,558,840 |
| Romance | $11,589,540 |
III. Emergency & Official Contacts
Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud & Financial Crimes
1. Columbus Division of Police – Economic Crimes Unit
- Phone: (614) 645-4545 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.columbus.gov/police
- Tip: Ask to speak with Financial Crimes or Elder Services officer.
2. Cleveland Division of Police – Financial Crimes Unit
- Phone: (216) 621-1234 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.clevelandpolice.gov
- Tip: Request a report for elder fraud or scam-related financial loss.
3. Cincinnati Police Department – Fraud Investigations
- Phone: (513) 765-1212 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.cincinnati-oh.gov/police
- Ask for white collar or financial crimes division to report elder scams.
FBI & Federal Reporting Tools
FBI Cincinnati Field Office
- Phone: (513) 421-4310
- Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/cincinnati
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Website: www.ic3.gov
- Use to file reports on scams, online fraud, phishing, and impersonation crimes.
Ohio Attorney General – Elder Protection & Consumer Fraud
Office of the Ohio Attorney General – Elder Justice Unit
- Elder Fraud Hotline: (800) 282-0515
- Website: www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov
- Offers assistance in reporting scams, investigating financial abuse, and accessing local resources.
Additional Elder Protection & Support Services
Ohio Adult Protective Services (APS)
- To report elder abuse or financial exploitation: Call your County Department of Job and Family Services, or
- State APS Helpline: (855) 644-6277
- Website: jfs.ohio.gov (search APS by county)
Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
- Phone: (800) 293-4767
- Website: www.proseniors.org
- Helps seniors detect and prevent Medicare and health fraud.
Ohio Department of Aging – Senior Support Hotline
- Phone: (866) 243-5678
- Website: www.aging.ohio.gov
- Connects you with local agencies on aging and protective services.
City of Columbus – Senior Services Coordination
- Phone: (614) 645-3111 (Call 311 from local number)
- Website: www.columbus.gov
Stay Vigilant, Stay Connected
- Save and share these contacts with neighbors, family, and community groups.
- Don’t hesitate to report suspicious calls, emails, or financial activity.
- Visit our Learning Center to understand the latest scams targeting Ohio seniors — and how to stop them.
- Remember: early action prevents loss. You are never alone in this fight.
Share Your Story
Have you or a loved one experienced a scam, or stopped one just in time? Your story could help protect someone else.
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