AKRON, Ohio – Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree has joined a nationwide public safety campaign to warn residents about the rising threat of scams and fraud targeting Northeast Ohio. To protect your financial future, law enforcement experts advise that you must slow down, verify, hang up, don’t click, and don’t send money when contacted by suspicious sources. These criminal networks often impersonate law enforcement or legitimate businesses to create a false sense of urgency and steal life savings.
How Sheriff Fatheree Is Addressing Scams and Fraud
As a member of the National Sheriffs’ Association’s Board of Directors, Sheriff Fatheree is collaborating with over a dozen sheriffs across the country to record and distribute public service announcements. These broadcasts are designed to combat the estimated 15 billion fraudulent ads generated globally every day. By strengthening public awareness through the “Stop Scams” initiative, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office aims to reduce the staggering $12.5 billion lost annually by American consumers to schemes ranging from fake tech support to romance fraud.
Common Tactics Used in Scams and Fraud Operations
Criminals are increasingly sophisticated, utilizing “spoofing” technology to make phone calls appear as if they are coming from the Sheriff’s Office or local court staff. Common tactics include claiming a resident has an outstanding warrant, has missed jury duty, or that a relative has been arrested and requires immediate bail. These perpetrators often demand payment via untraceable methods to ensure the money cannot be recovered once the victim realizes the deception.
Five Essential Steps to Prevent Scams and Fraud
To help residents in Northeast Ohio stay safe, Sheriff Fatheree and the National Sheriffs’ Association emphasize a five-step protocol when dealing with any unsolicited communication:
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Slow Down: Scammers want you to panic so you act without thinking.
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Verify: Contact the agency or person directly using a known, official phone number.
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Hang Up: Do not engage with callers who demand immediate payment.
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Don’t Click: Avoid links in unexpected text messages or emails.
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Don’t Send Money: Real government agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Reporting Fraudulent Activity in Summit County
If you suspect you have been targeted by an individual impersonating the Sheriff’s Office or other legal authorities, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office at (330) 643-2181. For additional resources, residents can visit the official website at sheriff.summitoh.net or the National Sheriff’s Association at sheriffs.org/stopscams.