Ohio investors will be better protected in the New Year thanks to various key efforts made by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities throughout 2025. The Division delivered strong results for investors, leading multiple enforcement actions that secured millions of dollars in restitution and upheld criminal accountability for those involved in financial fraud.

With holiday spending in Ohio expected to top $32 billion this year according to a recent forecast from the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Financial Institutions is encouraging shoppers to stay alert to the growing threat of gift card scams and other holiday-related cons.

As Ohioans decorate their homes and prepare for holiday celebrations, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is reminding everyone that holiday cheer should never come at the cost of safety. This season, Ohioans are urged to celebrate smart by keeping fire prevention top of mind while decorating.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities announced that the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has entered a final judgment imposing approximately $25.6 million in restitution and an equal civil monetary penalty against Safeguard Metals LLC and its owner, Jeffrey Ikahn, for operating a fraudulent scheme targeting elderly and retirement-aged individuals.

As the holiday season kicks into full swing, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is helping Ohioans unwrap a little peace of mind. Its new Holiday Budgeting Guide is packed with practical tools and smart strategies to help families celebrate joyfully, minimizing the post-holiday credit card bill headache.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal’s (SFM's) Ohio Fire Academy celebrates its third and final firefighter class of 2025. The 35 individuals who make up Firefighter Class 242 were recognized at a graduation ceremony this morning at the Division’s campus in Reynoldsburg.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds is kicking off a showdown with a familiar foe – the state up north. “Find Forgotten Funds: The Rivalry Continues” is a spirited November challenge that puts Ohio head-to-head with Michigan to see which state can rack up the most searches for unclaimed funds on their websites.

Buying a home is one of the largest purchases many individuals will ever make, that means there’s also the potential for this experience to become one of the largest headaches, especially if consumers aren’t prepared. To help ensure Ohioans are equipped with the information they need to fully understand the full financial commitment involved with buying a home, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing and Ohio Department of Insurance have partnered to break down these costs before someone enters the housing market.

Dozens of cemeteries across Ohio will soon receive financial assistance to help preserve their history and make them safer for visitors. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) has awarded $104,000 in grants to 45 Ohio cemeteries located in 31 counties through the Fiscal Year 2025 Cemetery Grant Fund.

With summer shopping, projects and vacations in the rearview mirror, Ohioans may be looking to get their budgets back on track ahead of the fast-approaching holiday season. For those who may have overspent, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is offering tips to help consumers manage credit card debt before the season of giving – and spending – begins.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance has launched a new online customer portal designed to streamline operations and improve service for its thousands of customers, whether they want to apply for a building permit, request an inspection or pay a fee.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities is warning Ohio investors about the risks of turning to social media influencers for financial guidance and investment advice. As more people, particularly younger generations, rely on so-called “finfluencers” to research investment ideas and identify emerging trends to inform financial decisions, they may be putting their hard-earned money in harm’s way.

Ohio business owners will have an easier time submitting their annual unclaimed funds reports this fall. A state-of-the-art system launched by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds in February makes it easier than ever for businesses operating in the state to submit their reports ahead of the Nov. 1, 2025 deadline.

Ohio business owners, homeowners and building departments now have a faster way to identify their local building department, helping to keep construction projects on track.