Resources

Do You Believe You are the Victim of Predatory Lending?  

Predatory lending occurs when a mortgage broker or lender persuades a borrower to enter into a mortgage loan that has unreasonably high interest rates and fees and does not serve the borrower’s best interest. These loans often lock borrowers into unfair loan terms and cause severe financial hardship or default. All lenders are regulated through the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Financial Institutions. You can learn more about predatory lending by clicking here. 

Please contact the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Office of Consumer Affairs at 614.728.8400 or dfi@com.ohio.gov if you have further questions or need to file a complaint.

Are You Having Problems with Your Cable Company?

The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Video Service Authorization Section regulates cable television providers. You can contact VSA with a complaint by calling 877.207.2225, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by emailing VSA@com.state.oh.us.

Are You Receiving Unwanted Telemarketing Calls?

You can register your home phone or cell phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry by visiting www.donotcall.gov. You can also report unwanted calls you receive after your number has been on the National Registry for 31 days at www.donotcall.gov.

Have You Been Contacted by a Questionable Charity or Scam? Have You Received an Invoice for a Pledge You Don’t Remember Making?

Unfortunately, there are many scams seeking to take advantage of our community’s generosity. Make sure you ask plenty of questions and review information about the charity before making a donation. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

  • Do NOT provide bank or credit card information over the phone.
  • Do NOT be enticed to donate based on the promise of prizes, cash awards or sweepstakes.
  • Do NOT give when someone offers to come to your house to personally pick up your donation.
  • Do NOT make a donation when the caller can’t answer questions about the charity.
  • Do NOT make a donation when high-pressure tactics are used.
  • Do NOT make out a check to an individual or give cash.  Always make the check out to the name of the charity.

Charitable solicitation in Ohio is regulated by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Charitable Law Section.  You can contact the Section at 800.282.0515 with any questions or by visiting https://charitable.ohioago.gov/. Complaint forms can be filed through the website. Ohio Attorney General’s Good Giving Guide https://charitable.ohioago.gov/Research-Charities/Good-Giving-Guidelines

Resources: