Attorney General Mike DeWine...
Community Fraud Forums planned for Cyber Fraud Legislation  
June 10, 2012 

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that his office is hosting regional community fraud forums this summer to discuss how Ohioans can work together to fight fraud. The announcement comes on the same day that Ohio’s new cyber fraud law takes effect. The law gives the Attorney General new tools to help local prosecutors fight economic crimes. 

“We are committed to working collaboratively with local communities to protect Ohio families,” DeWine said. “The forums are an opportunity to have meaningful conversations about how best to work together. We appreciate the new tools the legislature has given us to better help local prosecutors, and now we have to determine how to put those and other tools to good use.” 

Community fraud forums have been scheduled in Dayton on June 28, Cincinnati on July 31, Toledo on Aug. 16, and Columbus on Sept. 13. Each forum will include a moderated panel discussion for all attendees, followed by special workshops for law enforcement, small businesses, and social workers or other caretakers. Continuing education credit is available for social workers and crime prevention officers.

Ohioans can find out more information and register to attend a forum at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/CommunityForum. 

The new law that takes effect today enables the Attorney General’s Office to better assist local law enforcement with cyber fraud and telecommunications investigations. It gives the Attorney General the authority to subpoena the phone records, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and payment information in suspected cyber fraud cases and prepare them for prosecution by a county or special prosecutor. However, it does not give the Attorney General the authority to bring criminal charges, which still must be brought by local prosecutors. 

Consumers who believe they may have been a victim of cyber or telecommunications fraud should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.