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April 29, 2021
The FBI and the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs are cautioning northeast Ohio businesses to be on the lookout for Bitcoin ATM scams, sending alert signs to stores that have Bitcoin ATMs. They are requesting the businesses display the signs in a noticeable place or near the ATM, according to a Spectrum News report.
The FBI and Department of Consumer Affairs said scammers are posing as utilities, police or government agencies to scare people into sending Bitcoins. Cleveland Police said it has one report of Bitcoin scams, but it s unclear if scams of these nature were going unreported, according to the news report.
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CLEVELAND Northeast Ohioans are being targeted in COVID-19 scams, according to Cuyahoga County officials.
Con artists are deploying bogus products, malware-filled emails, and more to lure in Northeast Ohioans. The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs offered the following tips on avoiding scams and reporting con artists.
Never click links from people or groups you don t know. This includes links sent in emails, texts or through social media posts. Many of these links are loaded with malware and can infect computers and other devices, the department said.
Be skeptical of any advertisements or claims you see about products that ward off COVID-19. The Federal Trade Commission has already sent warning letters to some companies about their false advertising.
Experts explain how current scams could lead to unemployment fraud; 19 News teams up with the pros to get victims help
Experts explain how current scams could lead to unemployment fraud By Hannah Catlett | March 4, 2021 at 11:50 AM EST - Updated March 5 at 3:19 PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Are you the victim of an ongoing scam?
19 News partnering with the Cleveland Consumer Action Network which includes members of the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad to host a live call-in event Thursday from 5pm to 6pm.
Consumers can call to ask questions or to report a scam. After the event, consumers can call the Scam Squad line at (216)443-SCAM or (216) 443-7226.
Watch out for stimulus scams, Cuyahoga County warns Watch out for stimulus scams, Cuyahoga County warns (Source: WALB) By Steph Krane | December 29, 2020 at 5:55 AM EST - Updated December 29 at 5:55 AM
CLEVELAND (WOIO) - The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs is warning people that a new round of stimulus checks could lead to a new round of scams.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump approved a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, which includes $600 in direct payments to people making less than $75,000 a year and couples making less than a combined $150,000 a year.
Cuyahoga County’s Department of Consumer Affairs wants people to know the payments will be sent automatically, and they should ignore any calls, emails or texts about the stimulus payments.
Scams have been prevalent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including when the previous stimulus payment was issued. Author: WKYC Staff Updated: 11:13 PM EST December 28, 2020
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio As we inch closer to receiving the next federal stimulus payment, the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs is warning residents to prepare for a new round of scams related to the payments to follow.
As the relief payments are sent automatically and in predetermined amounts, you do not need to take any action to receive these funds. Scammers are already adept at twisting stimulus headlines to trick people into paying or revealing private information, Sheryl Harris, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, said in a news release. County residents should resolve now to ignore calls, texts and emails about stimulus payments or fraud - no matter how convincing they sound.