Scam callers pretending to be from Ohio Homeland Security (OHS) are targeting residents with increasingly sophisticated tactics. These impostors use fear, urgency, and technology to trick people into revealing personal information or sending money. Here’s what’s happening, how to spot these scams, and what to do if you receive such a call.
How the Scam Works
Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from the official Ohio Homeland Security main line (614-387-6171) or other legitimate government numbers. This tactic, known as “spoofing,” is designed to make the call seem authentic.
False Claims: Victims are told alarming stories, such as their identity being stolen, an intercepted package containing illegal items, or impending law enforcement action. The caller may threaten arrest, fines, or legal trouble unless immediate action is taken.
Demands for Information or Payment: The caller may ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or demand payment via unconventional methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Sometimes, they insist on immediate payment to avoid arrest or further investigation.
Red Flags to Watch For
Urgency and Threats: Real government agencies will never threaten arrest or demand immediate payment over the phone.
Requests for Sensitive Information: OHS and other government bodies will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card details.
Unusual Payment Methods: Demands for payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, money transfer apps, or cryptocurrency are a sure sign of a scam.
Spoofed Caller ID: Just because a call appears to come from a government number doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. Scammers can easily fake caller ID information.
Unsolicited Contact: Government agencies rarely contact individuals by phone about legal matters or personal identity theft. If you haven’t initiated contact, be suspicious.
Common Tactics Used by Scammers
Recording Your Voice: Some scammers ask questions designed to get you to say “Yes.” A recording of your voice may be used to fraudulently access accounts or authorize transactions.
Impersonating Multiple Agencies: Calls may be transferred to others pretending to be higher-level officials or from different agencies, increasing the sense of urgency and legitimacy.
Fake Documentation: Scammers might send images of badges, uniforms, or doctored documents to appear credible. Do not trust these as proof of legitimacy.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
- Do Not Share Information: Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, even if they claim to be from OHS or another government agency.
- Hang Up Immediately: If the call seems suspicious, hang up. Do not engage or try to argue with the caller.
- Verify Independently: If you’re unsure, look up the agency’s official contact information yourself-do not use numbers or emails provided by the caller-and call to verify the situation.
- Report the Scam: If you believe you’ve been targeted, report the incident to:
- The Ohio Homeland Security Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center (STACC): 1-877-647-4683
- The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General hotline: (800) 323-8603
- The HSI Tip Line: 877-4-HSI-TIP
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to represent a government agency.
- Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted calls.
- Never trust caller ID alone-scammers can spoof numbers easily.
- Government agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.
- If threatened or pressured to act immediately, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Final Word
Scam calls impersonating Ohio Homeland Security are on the rise and can be highly convincing. Remember, real government officials will never demand money or sensitive information over the phone, nor will they threaten you with arrest if you don’t comply. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and always verify independently before taking action. If in doubt, hang up and report the call to the appropriate authorities.
Sources:-
[1] https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-michigan-and-ohio-warn-scammers-impersonating-special-agents
[2] https://www.therepublic.com/2024/03/12/authorities-warn-of-new-phone-scam-involving-name-dropping-homeland-security/
[3] https://newalbanyohio.org/news/2021/02/beware-of-scammers-claiming-to-be-ohio-homeland-security/
[4] https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/pr/2024/052024-fraud-alert-department-homeland-security-impersonation-schemes.pdf
[5] https://cityofmentor.com/scam-alert-beware-of-scammers-claiming-to-be-ohio-homeland-security/
[6] https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/news/2022/05/26/slam-scam-how-spot-suspicious-calls
[7] https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/scam-alert-callers-pretending-to-be-from-ohio-homeland-security/XYRUFXFDVJCERPC7KJSVWCLD5E/
[8] https://www.ohio.edu/international-student-scholar-services/resources/finances/avoiding-scams
[9] https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/pr/2024/052024-fraud-alert-department-homeland-security-impersonation-schemes.pdf
[10] https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something/reporting/ohio
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIn06Stcggk
[12] https://homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/home