CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs is warning County homeowners about scam calls seeking immediate payment for unpaid property taxes. Several homeowners have reported that scammers called about their property taxes and then demanded their bank account or credit card numbers.

While County employees may phone delinquent homeowners to share options, they never ask for banking or personal information during these calls.

“It’s property tax time, and scammers are trying to cash in,” said Sheryl Harris, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs. “Hang up on any caller who pressures you to make snap decisions or immediate payments.”

In one call, a scammer told a homeowner who was behind on taxes that she was ineligible for county programs and was going to lose her home. The scammer offered to buy her home and then demanded her banking information.

The homeowner checked first with the County and is now on a repayment program.

“You should always independently verify information before you act on information provided to you by a stranger,” Harris said.

Keep these numbers on hand:

• Report scams to Scam Squad: 216-443-7226 or cuyahogacounty.gov/scamsquad
• Find information about your property taxes: 216-443-7420 or cuyahogacounty.gov/treasury
• Get help if you’re delinquent on property taxes: 216-443-7698