How Northeast Ohio Residents Can Protect Themselves From Scams

With scam cases increasing across Northeast Ohio and nationwide losses reaching record levels, residents need practical strategies to protect themselves from sophisticated criminals who are using new technology to steal billions of dollars annually.

Federal data shows scammers collected $12.5 billion in 2024, with Northeast Ohio communities like Solon reporting major fraud cases involving hundreds of thousands of dollars. As criminal tactics evolve, understanding prevention methods has become essential for financial security.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Scammers typically use three common lies to deceive victims: claiming someone is using your accounts, warning that your information is being used to commit crimes, or alerting you to computer security problems.

Immediate Red Flags:

• Pressure to act quickly or “urgently”
• Requests to transfer money to “protect” it
• Claims that government agencies are calling about problems
• Pop-up computer alerts with phone numbers to call
• Demands for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers

The Most Dangerous Phrase: “Never transfer or send money to anyone, no matter who they say they are, in response to an unexpected call or message,” advises the Federal Trade Commission.

Phone Call Protection

Phone scams remain one of the most common attack methods. Here are essential safeguards:

Hang Up and Verify: If contacted by someone claiming to be from a government agency or business, contact the company or agency using a phone number or website you know is real. Don’t trust the phone number or name they provide.

Use Call Blocking: Register phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. After it takes effect, telemarketing calls should cease—and any that come through are likely bogus.

Don’t Trust Caller ID: Criminals can falsify, or “spoof,” caller ID easily. It’s wise to encourage a healthy distrust of caller ID, and to urge seniors to beware unexpected calls identified as coming from Medicare, Social Security, the IRS or financial institutions.

Family Safety Words: Establish a secret word or phrase with family members that can be used to verify identity during emergency calls claiming to be from relatives in trouble.

Online and Email Safety

Email Scams: FTC data shows that email was the top method scammers used to contact people in 2024. Never click links in unexpected emails or provide personal information through email responses.

Computer Pop-ups: Never call phone numbers that appear in computer security alerts. Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see suspicious pop-up messages.

Social Media Caution: Avoid clicking on unsolicited links or engaging with unfamiliar accounts that promote investment opportunities or offer prizes.

Connected Devices Spark Privacy Fears as Security Tightens

Financial Protection Steps

Bank Transfer Safety: People use cryptocurrency for many reasons, but cryptocurrency accounts are not backed by a government and held funds are not insured like FDIC bank accounts. Be extremely cautious with any requests involving cryptocurrency or wire transfers.

Account Monitoring: Set up alerts on bank and credit accounts to notify you of large or unusual transactions. Check credit reports regularly for suspicious activity.

Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts wherever possible to add extra security layers.

Investment Verification: Never share your PINs, CVVs, or one-time codes—your financial institution will never ask for them. Always verify the identity of merchants or sellers before wiring money or sending funds.

Cryptocurrency and Digital Payment Safety

With cryptocurrency scams causing billions in losses, extra caution is essential:

Government Payment Myth: Government agencies never accept cryptocurrency as payment for fines, taxes, or fees.

Crypto ATM Risks: Scams happen when scammers direct their targets to use crypto ATMs to transfer cash or money from their bank account into cryptocurrency, and then send that cryptocurrency to a scammer’s account.

Investment Promises: Be suspicious of any investment opportunity promising guaranteed high returns, especially those involving cryptocurrency or trading platforms.

Age-Specific Protection

Older Adults: Federal data shows older adults face the highest financial losses from scams. From 2020 to 2024, the number of reports from older adults who lost $10,000 or more to impersonation scams increased more than fourfold.

Tech Support Scams: When it comes to fraud committed against older adults, tech support scams top the list. Typically, a person’s computer or phone screen will freeze or go blank. A pop-up message will appear with a phone number to dial for help.

Family Communication: Regular conversations about current scam tactics can help older family members stay informed about new threats.

What Legitimate Organizations Will Never Do

Government Agencies: The IRS, Social Security Administration, and Medicare communicate primarily by mail and will never call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest.

Financial Institutions: Banks will never ask for passwords, PINs, or security codes over the phone or through email.

The FTC: The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize.

If You’re Targeted or Victimized

Immediate Steps:

• Contact your bank immediately to protect accounts
• Change passwords on compromised accounts
• Document everything with screenshots and records
• Freeze credit if personal information was shared

Reporting Resources:

• Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
• Local police: File reports with Northeast Ohio departments

Technology Tools for Protection

Call Blocking Apps: Most phone carriers offer free call-blocking services to filter suspicious calls.

Password Managers: Use reputable password managers to create strong, unique passwords for each account.

Security Software: Keep anti-virus software and security protections updated on all devices.

Credit Monitoring: Consider credit monitoring services that alert you to changes in your credit reports.

Community Protection

Share Information: Discuss scam tactics with family, friends, and neighbors to raise awareness in Northeast Ohio communities.

Stay Informed: Follow updates from local police departments and federal agencies about new scam trends.

Report Suspicious Activity: Even if you don’t lose money, reporting scam attempts helps law enforcement track criminal patterns.

Remember the Golden Rules

1. Slow Down: Legitimate emergencies don’t require immediate financial transfers to strangers
2. Verify Everything: Contact organizations through official channels to confirm requests
3. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is
4. Ask for Help: Consult trusted family members or friends before making financial decisions

As scam tactics become more sophisticated, staying informed and cautious remains the best defense. By following these protection strategies, Northeast Ohio residents can significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims while helping protect their communities from financial predators.