Crime & Safety
Con Artists Pose As Coronavirus Tracers, Heights Officials Warn
Scammers are pretending to be health officials tracing the spread of COVID-19. Don't fall victim to their trap.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Scammers are pretending to be health officials trying to trace the spread of the new coronavirus, Cleveland Heights officials warned. The con artists will then ask their target for personal information.
Members of the Cleveland Department of Public Health and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health are contacting residents. However, they will never ask residents for their social security number or their bank account information. If anyone asks for that information while claiming to be a contact tracer, hang up the phone.
Cleveland Heights officials said residents should not respond to texts or emails saying they have been exposed to COVID-19. Do not click links sent to you claiming you may have contracted the virus.
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Suspicious calls or texts should be reported to the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs via their website or by calling 216-443-SCAM.
More tips for avoiding COVID-19 scams can be found on the county's website.
Find out what's happening in Cleveland Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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