STARK COUNTY, Ohio — Residents in Stark County are being warned about a phone scam from someone claiming to be from the Stark County District Attorney’s Office, according to the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials in Stark County said the male caller tells the person on the other line that they or their immediate family member has written a bad check. The male caller says he needs a specific amount of money to settle bad checks or the police will show up and arrest them or their family member.
The Stark County Prosecutor’s Office has been informed that the caller is aggressive and convincing and even knows the banking information of those being targeted.
“It is important to me that everyone throughout Stark County be aware of the potential dangers these scams possess,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kyle L. Ston, in a news release. “We want everyone to be equipped in protecting themselves against these individuals.”
Anyone receiving these calls should never give out any of their personal or financial information.
Here are some ways Stark County officials say you can help protect yourself against scams:
- Never give out your personal information to anyone over the phone.
- Block unwanted calls and text messages from contacting you.
- Never send payments to people you don’t know via gift cards or money transfer services. Never deposit money into bank accounts belonging to people you don’t know.
- Resist the pressure to take immediate action. Anyone forcing you to make immediate payments or give your personal information is a scammer.
- Talk to someone you trust. Talking to others may help you realize what has been requested of you is a scam.
- Tell the authorities. Contact your local police department, the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you have been targeted by a scam.
