NEWS

Attorney general warns of scam calls from ‘911’

COLUMBUS – Attorney General Mike DeWine is warning Ohioans about scam calls that appear to come from the phone number “911” and instruct consumers to contact the Attorney General’s Office to avoid arrest or legal action.

DeWine’s office has received approximately 20 reports of the scam in 2015, including some from Fairfield County, with most filed this month.

The scam begins when consumers receive a phone call that displays “911” on their caller ID. When they answer the call, consumers are told that a warrant will be issued for their arrest or a lawsuit will be filed against them unless they contact the Attorney General’s Office immediately using a number provided by the caller, according to a news release.

In reality, the calls are not coming from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or from 911 dispatchers.

Although “911” appears on the consumer’s caller ID, that number is likely spoofed — meaning a scammer has manipulated the consumer’s caller ID to make it seem as if the call is coming from emergency personnel or law enforcement while concealing the true origin of the call.

If you answer the call, hang up; don’t press any buttons, even if it’s to “opt out,” because that tells the caller it’s a valid phone number, the office warned.

Consumers who suspect a scam should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515. When reporting a potential phone scam, consumers should provide as much information as possible, including any phone numbers the caller provides.