Full Notification

Rocky River and area residents and businesses have recently reported attempted telephone scams involving the purchase of gift cards as payment for non-existent debts.

Generally, a victim will receive a phone call indicating they owe money, often to the IRS, a utility, or to get a relative out of jail. The caller instructs the victim that the debt can only be paid via gift card and must be done immediately. A return phone number is provided to the victim with instructions to get the gift card and call back with the account numbers.

Legitimate creditors will never ask that you pay debts using gift cards. Never provide gift cards or other account numbers or personal identifying information over the phone unless you called the company or utility and are confident you are speaking with a legitimate representative. If you have any doubts, discontinue the call.

If you have been a victim of this type of scam, you should file a report with the Rocky River Police Department or the police department in the jurisdiction where the fraud occurred. In addition, you can report attempted or completed scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0054-how-file-complaint

You can learn more about scams at the FTC website.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-phone-scams