Viewers will learn how to avoid becoming victims of a variety of scams

Media Contact:
Jennifer Ciaccia, Press Secretary
216-250-5863 | jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – To help residents protect themselves, the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad task force is hosting a webinar,Investment Scams: How Fraudsters Use A.I., Apps and Social Media to Target You.

Investment scams have stolen at least $12 million dollars from Cuyahoga County residents since October 2025, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission.

“People tell Scam Squad they became involved in these schemes after following a tip from an online friend or responding to a 'wrong number' text,” said Sheryl Harris, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs. “Scammers may even create convincing apps that appear to show an investment growing, when in reality, the victim's money has already been stolen.” 

The webinar starts at noon Tuesday, Sept. 22. Registration is required. Sign up at cuyahogacounty.gov/scamsquad.

The webinar will feature agencies that oversee and investigate financial marketplaces, giving Cuyahoga County residents an inside look at how these sophisticated scams work, the warning signs to watch for, and the steps they can take to protect their money.

Scam Squad is a financial fraud task force made up of local, state and federal agencies with a significant presence in Cuyahoga County.