Headline:
Ohio Officials Warn Seniors About Golden Buckeye Card Scam – How to Protect Yourself
Subheading:
Fraudsters posing as state representatives target elderly Ohioans in phishing scheme
Ohio – State officials are alerting residents about a new phone scam targeting participants of Ohio’s Golden Buckeye program, which provides discounts and benefits to seniors and disabled adults. Scammers are impersonating program representatives to steal personal information, including Social Security numbers.
The Ohio Department of Aging has received multiple reports of unsolicited calls where fraudsters claim affiliation with the Golden Buckeye program. These callers attempt to extract sensitive details under false pretenses.
“This is a phishing scam,” warned Ursel McElroy, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “The Golden Buckeye program will never call, text, or email you asking for personal or financial information. If someone does, hang up immediately.”
How the Scam Works
Residents report receiving calls from individuals posing as Golden Buckeye representatives. The scammers often:
- Claim there’s an issue with the victim’s benefits.
- Request Social Security numbers, bank details, or other private data.
- Use urgency or threats to pressure victims into compliance.
What to Do If You’re Contacted
- Do not share any information – Legitimate government programs do not ask for sensitive details over unsolicited calls.
- Hang up immediately – If in doubt, verify by contacting the Golden Buckeye program directly at 1-800-422-1976.
- Report the scam – File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
- Contact local law enforcement – Victims should notify police if they’ve shared personal or financial data.
Protecting Ohio’s Vulnerable Residents
The Golden Buckeye program serves over 1.3 million Ohioans aged 60+ and disabled adults, making it a prime target for exploitation. Authorities urge families to discuss scam awareness with elderly relatives, as seniors are frequently targeted in financial fraud schemes.
“Scammers prey on trust,” McElroy added. “Stay vigilant, verify before responding, and report suspicious activity.”
For more information on the Golden Buckeye program, visit aging.ohio.gov.
— Reported by Nexio News
