Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers. The IRS reminds taxpayers to guard against all sorts of con games that arise during any filing season. Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may even threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the license of their victim if they don’t get the money. Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official. Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam. The IRS will never: - Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. - Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. - Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card. - Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. - Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, do not give out any information and hang up immediately. - Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report the call. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page. You can also call 800-366-4484. - Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Please add "IRS Telephone Scam" in the notes.

Provides comprehensive reports (including evaluation and accreditation) of charities. Maintains lists of BBB Accredited Charities by industry. Hears complaints dealing with consumer issues with a business and/or their products or services. Handles complaints against doctors or attorneys only in relation to billing issues. Provides recorded and printed information about consumer topics. Offers accreditation for businesses. Assists with concerns about charity donations.

Offers dispatch police officers within West Carrollton city limits to the scene of a crime in progress or a police emergency incident (call 911). Dispatches police officer to the scene of incidents where citizens need non emergency assistance (call 859-3688). Investigates crimes and reports of missing persons, fingerprints arrestees, and investigates incidents of alleged police misconduct.

Enforces the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Ohio Homebuyers’ Protection Act. Investigates complaints related to consumer protection laws and mediates disputes when warranted. Consumers may also look for information about complaints a company may have recieved through the Attorney General's Office as well as information as to how the dispute was resolved. Areas of inquiry include retail purchases, for-profit tax preparers, Internet auctions, pyramid schemes, advertising, business opportunities, home improvements, consumer credit, health spas, mail order businesses, new car parts, automobile repairs repairs, tax preparation companies, etc. Will investigate (and if warranted, prosecute) for-profit mortgage foreclosure counseling companies. Can take complaints on mortgage servicers concerning escrow issues and problems dealing with the application of payments. Cannot address complaints against mortage services concerning modifications or foreclosure issues. Cannot take complaints against banks. Does not provide legal advice or representation as a private attorney. Cannot handle consumer issues regarding the purchase of used cars, public utilities, doctors, lawyers, insurance, real estate, financial investments, and state agencies. Offers consumer tips, printed information, and presentations about consumer issues. May also search for lawsuits the office has filed against individuals and businesses that violate the state’s consumer laws.

Provides crime prevention and safety programs to Centerville residents in the areas of: bunco/fraud protection, property identification, child abuse prevention, juvenile delinquency prevention, commercial and residential security evaluations, child sexual assault prevention, shoplifting prevention, halloween safety, school safety, bicycle safety, vacation security checks, neighborhood watch programs, traffic safety, and child passenger safety.

Dispatches police officers within German Township to the scene of a crime in progress or a police emergency incident (call 911).

Accepts allegations of fraud, waste, mismanagement or abuse concerning programs of the department. Programs include Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, Services for Native Americans, health care equipment providers, institutional health caregivers, and grant and contracts. Also accepts reports of suspected crimes by federal department employees or contractors.

Provides reporting and investigation of violations of United States federal statutes in a number of areas, including anti-terrorism (domestic/international) activities. Also investigates mortgage fraud (falsifying documents--includes false property appraisals, false statements regarding income and other personal facts, etc. when applying for a home loan), kidnapping, bank robberies, Internet crime, organized crime, hate crimes, and public corruption. Mortgage fraud investigation is part of a task force with the county prosecutor and other law enforcement officials. Internet crime is any illegal activity involving one or more components of the Internet (chat rooms, web sites, and/or e-mail).

The Recorder scans and records all mortgages, liens, deeds, and other legal documents. Also recording Military discharge papers is a service the office provides. Most items are recorded for a small fee as long as they meet the state statutes for recording.

Works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. Conducts investigations, sues companies and people who violate the law, develops rules to protect consumers, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. Collects complaints about consumer fraud and identity theft and makes them available to law enforcement agencies across the country. Service divisions include Advertising Practices, Consumer and Business Education, Enforcement, Financial Practices, Marketing Practices, Planning and Information, and Privacy and Identity Protection.

Investigates scams by victims or witnesses. To report a scam, call or go to website to file form. Be sure to include contact information for the business, if applicable, and as much detail about the scam as possible.

Works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. Conducts investigations, sues companies and people who violate the law, develops rules to protect consumers, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. Collects complaints about consumer fraud and identity theft and makes them available to law enforcement agencies across the country. Service divisions include Advertising Practices, Consumer and Business Education, Enforcement, Financial Practices, Marketing Practices, Planning and Information, and Privacy and Identity Protection.

Provides online tools for reporting phone, email, and online scams involving the US Department of Treasury or individuals pretending to be government employees.

Staff can help with suspected Medicare fraud/scams, if your Medicare number is compromised, etc. Staff and trained volunteers are available to teach ways to detect fraud, waste and abuse, offer tips to prevent them and identify the latest schemes. Volunteers and staff give presentations and participate in local fairs in their communities.

Accepts reports of fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Enters reports into a nationwide database that is available to federal, state, and local law enforcement.

Provides legal services to low-income residents of Montgomery, Greene, Preble, and Darke Counties. Legal Line provides advice in civil matters, consumer fraud and home repair scams; domestic violence, divorce, and child support; eviction, foreclosure, and other housing problems; health care access; predatory lending; Social Security/SSI; unemployment benefits; and welfare, Medicaid, and food stamps.

Provides grade ratings on businesses, customer reviews, and dispute resolution. Accepts reports of unfair business practices and handles buyer/seller disputes concerning a company's products and services. Trade Specialists will investigate the consumer's issue and attempt to reach out to the company in question in order to reach a fair resolution. Does not provide legal enforcement or prosecute - but will share information with the Ohio Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies where warranted. Handles customer concerns with businesses in the following categories (but service not limited to these categories): Home improvement/repair, non-government owned utility companies, insurance companies, mortgage companies, banking, charities, check cashing, child care, realtors, restaurants (but doesn't handle food safety issues), and for-profit tax preparers. For medical facilities or services, will only help to resolve issues related to billing or customer service; does not take complaints concerning allegations of malpractice or medical competency.

Dispatches police officers within Riverside city limits to the scene of a crime in progress or a police emergency incident (call 911). Dispatches police officers to the scene of incidents where citizens need non emergency assistance

Protects consumers by investigating allegations of unlicensed insurance transactions, potential agent misconduct, insurance fraud and crimes related to insurance. The division is designated as a criminal justice agency and frequently works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Provides reporting and investigation of violations of United States federal statutes in a number of areas, including anti-terrorism (domestic/international) activities. Also investigates mortgage fraud (falsifying documents--includes false property appraisals, false statements regarding income and other personal facts, etc. when applying for a home loan), kidnapping, bank robberies, Internet crime, organized crime, hate crimes, and public corruption. Mortgage fraud investigation is part of a task force with the county prosecutor and other law enforcement officials. Internet crime is any illegal activity involving one or more components of the Internet (chat rooms, web sites, and/or e-mail).

Dispatches officers to the scene of a crime in progress or a police emergency incident (call 911). Also dispatches police officers to the scene of incidents where citizens need non emergency police services

Accepts reports of scams, or attempts to defraud someone, that were conducted by phone, internet, or mail.

Provides a website with fraud reporting resources to report a scam, a company, or an unwanted call.

Investigates complaints related to consumer protection laws and mediates disputes when warranted. Also provides information on previous complaints, disputes, and lawsuits against a company. Does not provide legal advice or representation as a private attorney.

Does not address complaints concerning banks, public utilities, doctors, lawyers, mortgage services concerning modifications or foreclosure issues, issues regarding the purchase of used cars, insurance, real estate, financial investments, and state agencies.

Provides investigation of all types of consumer scams, along with one on one assistance to support residents who lose money or info to scams. Will attempt dispute resolution, including mediation with the parties (consumer and business), including debt collection abuses, home repair companies auto sales and car repairs, store pricing, appliance warranty issues, and other complaints related to specific business interactions with consumers. The agency can/will refer a complaint or a violation to the county prosecutor, Ohio attorney general, Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or other appropriate agencies with jurisdiction over the complaint. May also enforce violations through civil actions.