Fraudsters Target Avon Lake Residents: Police

AVON LAKE, OH — Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, cases of frauds and scams have spiked, Ohio officials said.

Over the past three weeks, there have been at least three instances of scams ensnaring Avon Lake residents, according to police reports. Here are the most recent crimes under investigation:

Fraud, March 5 — An Avon Lake resident lost $6,200 in an employment scam, police reported.

Fraud, March 18 — Someone opened a credit card in an Avon Lake resident's name.

Fraud, March 19 — Someone used an Avon Lake resident's personal information to file an unemployment claim. The fraudster also used the stolen information to open a debit card, police said.

Scam artists haven't only been targeting Avon Lake residents. Fraud is on the rise throughout Ohio, according to the Department of Justice. Federal law enforcement vowed this week to crack down on COVID-19-related scams.

“Over the past year, as we have all faced the harsh realities and challenges of a global pandemic, we have witnessed tremendous acts of community support and kindness,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “Unfortunately, though, we have also grappled with the reality that some will exploit times of crisis in order to enrich themselves by fraudulently obtaining federal program funds intended for those most affected by the pandemic."