Economic Crimes Unit
Conduct thorough investigations of assigned cases and provide the Prosecutor's Office with a complete, professional investigative packet to ensure a successful prosecution.
The ECU is responsible for investigating a vast array of financial crimes, including Embezzlements, Theft in Office, and Theft from the Elderly offenses.
The following cases/crimes are investigated by the ECU: Felony Embezzlement, Advance Fee Schemes, Securities Violations, Mortgage Fraud Schemes, Theft in Office, Theft from the Elderly Involving Probate and Miscellaneous.
Helpful Information
Consumer.gov - Consumer protection basics... plain and simple. This is a government website that helps you manage and use your money wisely, investigate credit, loans and debt, as well as outlines how to avoid scams and identity theft.
Consumeraffairs.com - In the event that you're a victim of identity theft, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars, and you will likely spend hundreds of hours trying to resolve the issue. Experts all agree that early detection of identity theft can significantly reduce the damage done by fraud.
Elder Financial Abuse - If you feel that you or someone you know may have been or is at risk of being a victim of financial abuse, please consult our list of helpful state resources and national resources to report the abuse and take the next steps toward recovery.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - Since 1992, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse has empowered individuals to protect their privacy by providing direct one-to-one assistance, creating original educational publications, and advocating for consumer-friendly policy.
Ohio Attorney General: Identity Theft - Identity theft occurs when someone obtains and uses your personal information without your permission to commit a fraud. Identity theft is a state and federal crime. If you think you are a victim of identity theft, immediately contact your local police department or sheriff's office and file a police report.
Traditional / Current Community Scams
Home Repair & Charity Scams(PDF, 19KB) - Be aware that the recent weather related storms in the Columbus area will become a magnet for various scam artists.
Reshipping Scam(PDF, 23KB) - The "reshipping" scheme requires individuals in the United States, who sometimes are co-conspirators and other times are unwitting accomplices, to receive packages at their residence and subsequently repackage the merchandise for shipment, usually abroad.