Crime & Safety

Scammers Continue To Impersonate Cleveland Heights Police

Someone is pretending to be a Cleveland Heights police officer and demanding payment on an "urgent legal matter."

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Scammer continue to impersonate the Cleveland Heights police.

A man pretending to be a ranking Cleveland Heights police officer has been calling people. The scammer uses a device that allows him to spoof phone numbers, so his call appears legitimate.

Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg said investigators are still exploring the source of the scam calls, but reminded everyone that Cleveland Heights police will never call anyone about legal matters, or request money or payment in the form of gift cards.

Find out what's happening in Cleveland Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Should you receive a call like this please hang up immediately and do not engage in conversation with the person," Mecklenburg said.

The police department first became aware of the impersonation scam in late September. City officials were especially concerned senior residents would be vulnerable to these scams.

Find out what's happening in Cleveland Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"We are doing our best to investigate the source of these scam calls. Anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the CHPD, you can report that information directly to us at 216-321-1234," Mecklenburg said.

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