Media Contact:
Jennifer Ciaccia: (216) 250-5863; jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.us

Scammers pose as law enforcement, email fake court documents

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - The Cuyahoga County Scam Squad is alerting residents about a spike in arrest scams that involve counterfeit court documents. Scammers posing as law enforcement call people claiming they failed to attend a court hearing. The scammers then email fake court documents and warrants as “proof”.

In a new form of these scams, people who received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the Covid-19 pandemic are being told they are being investigated for fraud. The scammers have accurate information about loan numbers and amounts.

Both scams ultimately direct people to pay bonds or fines in gift cards or crypto currency. At least one resident lost $7,000 to an arrest scam this week.

Report any call threatening you with arrest to local police or to Scam Squad by calling 216-443-7226 or cuyahogacounty.gov/scamsquad.

"Arrest call scams are scary, but they are never legitimate. If someone tells you you're going to be arrested, hang up. It's a scam," said Sheryl Harris, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs. "You can help others by reporting scams."

Members of law enforcement will NEVER call you to demand money or tell you that you will be arrested if you hang up. Police do not collect money for the courts. Only scammers direct people to convert money into gift cards or crypto.

Cuyahoga County Scam Squad is here for you. Visit Scam Squad online for more information on scam protection and prevention.