Avoid COVID-19 Scams In Northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohioans are being targeted in COVID-19 scams, according to Cuyahoga County officials.

Con artists are deploying bogus products, malware-filled emails, and more to lure in Northeast Ohioans. The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs offered the following tips on avoiding scams and reporting con artists.

• Never click links from people or groups you don't know. This includes links sent in emails, texts or through social media posts. Many of these links are "loaded with malware and can infect computers and other devices," the department said.
• Be skeptical of any advertisements or claims you see about products that "ward off" COVID-19. The Federal Trade Commission has already sent warning letters to some companies about their false advertising.
• Only get COVID-19 updates from trusted news or official sources.
• Avoid homemade COVID-19 remedies or cleaning methods. Some of those methods may not be effective.
• If you see price gouging, report it. The Ohio Attorney General's office tracks reports of inflated prices. Report to the attorney general at OhioProtects.org or 1-800-282-0515.
• Avoid investment schemes connected to the virus. Some companies may claim their stocks is set to soar because of COVID-19 products or services. Be especially wary of “research reports” and recommendations on microchip stocks, the department said.

Have a question or want to report a scam? Contact Scam Squad at consumeraffairs.cuyahogacounty.us or 216-443-SCAM (7226).