AKRON, Ohio – Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree is partnering with the National Sheriffs’ Association to lead a high-priority effort centered on fraud prevention and public education. To protect yourself from criminal networks, law enforcement experts urge residents to immediately slow down, verify all claims, and never send money to unsolicited contacts. These scams resulted in a staggering $12.5 billion loss for Americans last year, with criminals often impersonating local court officials or deputies to create a sense of panic.
Sheriff Fatheree Leads National Fraud Prevention Campaign
As a member of the National Sheriffs’ Association’s Board of Directors, Sheriff Fatheree has joined over a dozen sheriffs to record public service announcements aimed at disrupting global criminal networks. These organizations utilize phone calls, text messages, and social media to deploy approximately 15 billion fraudulent ads every single day. By focusing on fraud prevention education, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office is working to ensure that Northeast Ohio residents can recognize the signs of investment schemes, fake tech support, and romance fraud before their life savings are compromised.
Identifying Local Tactics for Scams and Fraud
In Summit County, one of the most prevalent tactics involves “spoofing” official phone numbers to make a call appear to be from the Sheriff’s Office or the courts. Criminals may claim you have an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty, or that a relative has been arrested and needs immediate bail money. “They want you to panic and feel a sense of urgency so you’ll act without thinking,” says Sheriff Fatheree. These perpetrators often use real names of local deputies to increase the perceived legitimacy of their demands.
Five Critical Steps for Effective Fraud Prevention
Law enforcement officials in Nordonia Hills and throughout Summit County urge residents to memorize and follow these five protective measures:
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Slow down: Pressure is a tool used by criminals to override common sense.
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Verify: Call the Sheriff’s Office directly at (330) 643-2181 to check any claims.
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Hang up: Do not stay on the line with someone demanding immediate payment.
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Don’t click: Never open links in suspicious texts or emails.
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Don’t send money: Official agencies will never demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
Resources for Reporting Financial Crimes
If you receive a suspicious communication, you can report it to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office at (330) 643-2181. For more detailed guides on staying safe, residents can visit the Resources tab at sheriff.summitoh.net or download the office’s mobile app. Additional information on fraud prevention is also available through the National Sheriffs’ Association at sheriffs.org/stopscams.
