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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Fraud Alerts Can Help Ohioans Avoid Scammers' Holiday Tricks

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Monday, December 15, 2014   

COLUMBUS, Ohio – While the holidays are a time of giving, fraud experts say con artists are ready to take whatever they can from unsuspecting Ohioans.

Whether you are shopping in person or online, Amy Nofziger with the AARP Fraud Watch Network says scammers are getting smarter, and some of their biggest cons involve fake charities, gift-card fraud and online shopping.

A newer trick, she says, is fake websites offering the hottest holiday item.

"If you click on one of those links, you might think you're getting a great price on a tablet, let's say, but what you're doing is going to the scammer's fake website, entering your personal and credit card information, and that is where they victimize you," she explains.

Nofziger recommends shoppers go to a retailer's direct website for online shopping.

Ohioans of all ages can learn more about the red flags of fraud through the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

It tracks trending scams, provides fraud alerts and allows registered users to share stories of fraud they've witnessed with others.

Gift cards are a popular gift, and Nofziger says scammers will try cashing in on them by taking pictures of the numbers on front and back of the cards inside stores before they are purchased.

"They will wait for someone to load funds onto that gift card and then they will drain them,” she explains. “So if you're buying a gift card, make sure to inspect the gift card, look at the front, look at the back, make sure it hasn't been tampered with."

Nofziger says signs that you may have become a victim of fraud include suspicious activity on a credit card statement, suspicious mail, or unsolicited telemarketing calls. She says Ohioans can protect themselves best by being informed.

"It's really important for people to be proactive, learn the red flags of fraud, and certainly share them with your family and friends," she stresses.




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