Contacts:
Miranda Kortan: (216) 698-2546; mkortan@cuyahogacounty.us 


CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to hang up on utility scam calls that threaten disconnection.

Utility disconnection scams, which target residents and businesses, often spike before weekends or holidays.

Consumer Affairs has also received reports of utility scammers offering consumers a “refund” or discount as a ploy to get account or payment information.

“The safest thing to do with these calls is ignore them and report them,” said Sheryl Harris, the County's Director of Consumer Affairs. “Answering or—worse, calling back—may result in more calls.”

Residents are cautioned:

• Utilities do not accept gift cards, money wires or Bitcoin payments.
• Never share Social Security numbers or banking information with anyone who calls you.
• If you have questions about your utility accounts, contact your utility using the number on the bill. Do not use callback numbers provided in robocalls.

Report scams to Cuyahoga County’s Scam Squad by calling 216-443-SCAM (7226) or use the online reporting form at consumeraffairs.cuyahogacounty.us.