COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—With October marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Financial Institutions is urging residents to sharpen their digital defenses against a rising tide of sophisticated online scams, including those amplified by artificial intelligence.

The warning comes as the nation faces record losses to cybercrime. According to the latest FBI report, nearly 860,000 complaints of suspected internet crime were made in 2024, with losses exceeding a staggering $16 billion—a 33% increase from the previous year. Ohio ranked seventh in the country, reporting nearly 25,000 complaints alone.

“The threat landscape is always evolving, and awareness is the best defense against falling victim to these scams,” said Division Superintendent Kevin Allard. “It’s our responsibility to ensure we never let our guard down to potential threats.”

The state is highlighting several emerging threats, including one-time passcode scams, financial institution impersonation fraud, and sophisticated investment schemes like “pig butchering or romance scams,” which often involve cryptocurrency.

In a concerning trend, criminals are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence-Fueled Fraud for voice cloning and deepfake videos to deceive victims. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission reports that consumers lost $1.9 billion via social media channels last year, underscoring its role as a primary avenue for fraudsters.

To help protect Ohioans, the Division and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommend four core actions:

  1. Recognize and Report Phishing: Delete messages with alarming language or offers that seem too good to be true.
  2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create passwords of at least 16 random characters or utilize a password manager.
  3. Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Use an extra layer of security beyond a password on all accounts that offer it.
  4. Update Software Often: Install updates for devices, apps, and antivirus programs immediately to close security gaps.

By following these essential cybersecurity practices, officials say Ohioans can significantly reduce their vulnerability to digital threats and ensure a safer online experience.

For additional guidance on reporting various types of cybercrime, refer to CISA’s helpful resource here.