Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber visits Muskingum University

NEW CONCORD, Ohio – On the campus of Muskingum University, Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber is hosted a roundtable discussion to hear from local governments, businesses, and local residents.

The Auditor of State’s office audits state and local public offices, identifies and investigates fraud in public agencies, and provides financial services to local governments. Faber has been hosting roundtable discussions across the state to learn about ongoing concerns and offer advice and resources. Faber’s primary concern is cyber fraud attacks on local government agencies and private citizens.

“Every week that goes by, we find out about a six-figure loss that some government entity to cyber fraudsters. But, Bob and Betty Buckeye are getting attacked as well,” Faber said. “And so the short answer is if somebody calls you or somebody reaches out to you in email pretending to be somebody else, hang up on them, don’t reply,” Faber said. “If you’re worried that your bank is really calling you, well pick up the phone book or pick up your bank statement and call the number on that and call them back and ask them if they called you. No bankers going to call you and ask you for personal information.”

While currently serving as the auditor of state, Faber is running on the Republican ticket against Democrat John Kulewicz in the November race for state attorney general. Faber took a moment to outline one of his priorities, if he wins that race. He says health insurance companies need to be reigned in over their excessive claims denials.

“When I’m attorney general, we’re going to have a program that allows a remediation program through the attorney general’s office to help consumers resolve these invalid denials. And, it’s time for Bob and Betty Buckeye to push back against insurance companies who are sometimes are just denying claims to see if people will go away,” Faber said. “Instead, it’s time for us to say ‘you’re not going to put Ohioans through hell anymore. We’re going to have resources to help…”

If you suspect a misuse of public funds or an abuse of Ohio’s public assistance programs, you can visit OhioAuditor.gov or call 866-FRAUD-OH.