From the desk of Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Powers
Dear neighbors,
My team has spent the last year stressing everyday vigilance to people who attend our trainings.
By staying on top of things, you can keep yourself safe from online scams and criminals who would steal your hard-earned money.
One such recent call to the 513-946-SCAM helpline highlights this mantra.
A woman reported to that she received a phone call from a scammer pretending to be the Walmart credit card department. The scammer wanted more information from her about an unauthorized $900 charge for a PlayStation.
The caller to our helpline has never had a credit card linked to Walmart.
"As soon as I got the call, I contacted your office," she told my staff over the phone. "When you're my age, and something like this happens, you're just out there. But your office was so helpful."
Thankfully, the woman didn't experience any financial impact from the scammer. She didn't give out her personal information. Since getting the call, she has also told her friends and family about how "legitimate" this call seemed, and how important it was to contact 513-946-SCAM.
Her story illustrates the importance of education, which is a cornerstone of my Elder Justice Unit. This is why my team has coordinated and hosted more than thirty in-person training across our region since August 2023. Not only do I want to keep you safe from scams, but I also want to empower you to stop crimes before they happen.
This is a long-term effort.
"I am so proud of Melissa for doing this," the woman said. She attended a wintertime training hosted by assistant prosecuting attorney Matt Broo. "A lightbulb really went off when he talked."
That's my hope for everyone.
Always fighting for you,
Melissa Powers
Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney
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