Ohio Consumer Resources
Buckeye state residents – if you are looking for state resources, you’ve come to the right page. We have compiled a comprehensive list of informative links for Ohio residents to use for any search pertaining to the state. Whether you’re looking for help on state agencies, legal resources, educational, financial, health care, or employment, these sources will help you find your answers.
Below is a summary of what each link has to offer, as well as any necessary contact information.
STATE AGENCIES
Public Utilities Commission – This commission regulates public utilities providers to ensure they are affordable to consumers and operating in Ohio law. You can research different public utilities to acquire specific information. Read about different ways to save money each month. You can also file an issue through the homepage. The department can be contacted by phone at (800) 686-7826.
Ohio Consumer Counsel – This counsel educates consumer about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and is a consumer advocate for residential utility problems and court proceedings. You can get more information on what they do and how they are making a difference through this website. The news ticker provides current articles of actions taken by the counsel. You can contact them at 1-877-742-5622.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Small Claims Court – Looking to sue in Ohio? If you are taking your case to small claims court, then these tips could be helpful. Learn about characteristics present in Ohio’s court system, like court cost limits, attorney requirements, and appeal processes. Discover provisions in Ohio’s law without ever having to leave our website.
Lemon Law – If you have purchased a lemon recently, these Ohio lemon laws can provide you with information you may need to pursue your case. Our article will outline the laws and requirements needed to classify cars as lemons in Ohio. You can also get tips on what steps need to be taken to get you out of your lemon and into a working vehicle. State department contact information is also provided.
EDUCATION
Ohio Education – If you are looking for education tools, this website offers them. Adults can get insight about technical school opportunities available. Ohio history links provide knowledge for kids under the Homework Help links. Visit schools, districts, or learn more about Ohio colleges and universities through the site.
Ohio Educational Directory – This comprehensive list links to educational programs and departments in Ohio. You can conduct a general search or search for organizations by type. A variety of educational information is ready for viewing with a click of a mouse.
FINANCIAL
Department of Commerce – This department oversees Ohio financial institutions to ensure they are operating within law. Consumers can look up alerts and annual reports, as well as different acts and funds implemented by the government. You can file a issue through the site as well.
HEALTH
Department of Health – Get information on health issues and programs through Ohio’s website. You can find local health departments and get information on health concerns or outbreaks and emergency preparedness. You can file a report against a health care facility on the site.
Ohio Medicaid – To find out more about Ohio’s public health care program, simply click on the link. You can find out programs offered and how to get coverage. Providers can also view billing and enrollment through the site. Consumers can call 1-800-324-8680 for additional help.
SAFETY
Department of Public Safety – Dedicated to protecting and serving the residents of Ohio, this department has several divisions consumers can visit to get more information on how to stay safe. You can read news on the homepage to find out recent developments in public safety. The Criminal Justice division offers links to protect families and children from a variety of threats.
Identity Theft – With identity theft being one of the most prevalent reported crimes in the United States, this information can prove extremely useful. Ohio’s Attorney General Website outlines identity theft occurrences and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you. Read about security breaching and what to abstain from on the Internet. Identity theft lesson plans are also used as teaching materials for consumers of all ages.
EMPLOYMENT
Ohio Working & Employment – Ohio’s workforce can find a slew of employment information on this site. Learn about employee rights and labor laws. You can look into job opportunities and conduct a general job search. Unemployed residents can research unemployment compensation and continuing education opportunities.
Ohio Hiring Management System – Looking for career opportunities in Ohio? Your search starts here. You can search for state government jobs and other employment. Apply online, and read about job application tips. Create a profile online to make your access to the database that much easier.
Contact Ohio State & Local Consumer Agencies
State and local consumer protection offices mediate issues, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest. To save time, call the office before sending in a written problem. Ask if the office handles the type of issue you have and if issue forms are provided.
State Offices
Helen MacMurray
Consumer Protection Section
Office of the Attorney General
State Office Tower, 25th Floor
30 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215-3428
614-466-4986 (issues)
Toll free in OH: 1-800-282-0515
TDD: 614-466-1393
E-mail: consumer@ag.ohio.gov
Robert Tongren
Office of Consumers' Counsel
77 South High Street, 15th Floor
Columbus, OH 43266-0550
614-466-8574 (outside OH)
Toll free in OH: 1-800-282-9448
E-mail: occ@occ.state.oh.us
Web site: www.state.oh.us/cons/
County Offices
David M. Guchman, Director
Economic Crime
Franklin County Office of Prosecuting Attorney
369 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-462-3555
Fax: 614-462-6103
George Patricoff
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Montgomery County Fraud and Economic Crimes Division
301 West 3rd Street
Dayton, OH 45402
513-225-4747
Fax: 513-225-3470
Victor Vigluicci, Prosecuting Attorney
Portage County Office of Prosecuting Attorney
466 South Chestnut Street
Ravenna, OH 44266-3000
330-296-4593
Fax: 330-297-3856
Maureen O'Connor
Prosecuting Attorney
Summit County Office of Prosecuting Attorney
53 University Avenue
Akron, OH 44308-1680
330-643-2800
TDD/TTY: 330-643-8277 (criminal)
Fax: 330-643-2137 (civil)
City Offices
Department of Neighborhood Services
Division of Human Services/Office of Consumer Services
City Hall, Room 126
801 Plum Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-352-3971
Fax: 513-352-5241
Levon Hays
Youngstown Office of Consumer Affairs and Weights and Measures
City Hall
26 South Phelps Street
Youngstown, OH 44503-1318
330-742-8884
330-742-8885
330-743-1335
Fax: 330-743-1318
State Banking Regulators
The officials listed below regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems with other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit. If you are dealing with a federally chartered bank, check the listing of Selected Federal Agencies.
W. Curtis Stitt
Superintendent, Division of Financial Institutions
77 South High Street
21st Floor
Columbus, OH 43266-0121
614-644-1631
State Insurance Regulators
Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner and health insurance. The officials listed below enforce these laws. Many of these offices can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.
Harold T. Duryee
Director, Department of Insurance
2100 Stella Court
Columbus, OH 43215-1067
614-644-2658
Toll free in OH: 1-800-686-1526
Fax: 614-644-3743