Warning issued about scammers claiming to be from Ohio Homeland Security

Columbus, OH – The Ohio Department of Public Safety has received reports of a possible scam being perpetrated on Ohioans from scammers claiming to be from Ohio Homeland Security.

Some Ohio residents have reported receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to be from Ohio Homeland Security. The calls also appear to be coming from Ohio Homeland Security. Caller ID on these calls indicate the calls originated from the Ohio Homeland Security main line (614-387-6171); however, the number was spoofed. Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. 

The calls tell their recipients that their identity has been stolen; however, Ohio Homeland Security, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, does not investigate personal identity theft and would not make these kinds of phone calls to Ohio residents.

“If you receive these calls, don’t fall for this scam,” said Ohio Homeland Security Executive Director Brian Quinn. “Hang up immediately and report it to either your local law enforcement or the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center at 1-877-647-4683.”