Lawsuit Kicks Off Cyber Safety Week

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine Monday announced a lawsuit against online seller Egyptian Cotton Warehouse for multiple violations of Ohio consumer law. In 46 complaints filed within the Ohio Attorney General's Office and/or the Better Business Bureau, consumers said the Cincinnati-area based company, which sold home linens and bedding products, didn't deliver in one of two ways.

"This business either failed to deliver the products consumers paid for, or it delivered lower quality goods," Attorney General DeWine said. "We are seeing more and more online scams, and as we push for tougher laws against cyber fraud, we will continue to pursue these Internet-based businesses that take advantage of consumers."

In fact, cyber fraud was a $10 million problem for Ohioans last year, when 7,304 people in the state reported being victims of cyber fraud via Internet sales and phone scams.

October 3 - 7 is Ohio Cyber Safety Week. Not only do adults need to learn how to avoid being a victim of cyber crimes, young people also need to be reminded of the dangers of cyberbulling, sexting, and social media identity theft.

"In my commitment to protect Ohio families, I am concerned about all types of cyber crimes and abuse," said DeWine.  "We are trying not only to go after scammers, but also to provide tools to educate Ohioans so they don't become victims."

As part of Ohio Cyber Safety Week, experts from the Ohio Attorney General's Office are conducting trainings for students, parents, and teachers across the state. In order to help provide tools young Ohioans can use, the Ohio Attorney General's Office is partnering with Yahoo.  Anyone under the age of 18 who signs up for an email account will be directed to online safety resources with the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

Access to those tips and guidelines can be found by going to www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/CyberSafetyWeek.

Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.