3 Fraud Attempts In 2 Weeks In Avon Lake

AVON LAKE, OH — There were three fraud attempts on Avon Lake residents and business owners over the span of just two weeks in March. Luckily, none of the intended victims were badly damaged or ensnared by the ploys. Details on the three fraud attempts are below.

Fraud, March 6 — A 64-year-old Avon Lake man got a letter from a credit union claiming he had recently opened an account with the business. The man had opened no such account. After contacting the credit union, and opening a dispute on the account, the man learned that one of his old addresses had been used to open the account, police records said.

Suspicious Activity, March 12 — An Avon Lake business reported possible fraudulent activity involving a business check. The company said the check was mailed to a vendor in Chicago, for services rendered. However, company officials believe the check was intercepted — in Chicago — altered, and cashed under another person's name. The involved bank has opened a fraud investigation. Luckily, the involved company is not out any funds, police records said.

Fraud, March 14 — A person pretending to be a cell phone service provider representative tried to trick an Avon Lake resident into giving out personal information. Police records said the man realized the fraud and hung up the phone after the scammer asked for his social security number. The man's cell phone provider suggested he file a police report.