The internet opens a world of new connections and opportunities, but it also can connect you with scammers. Use these simple tips to avoid online scams.

The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs and the Scam Squad have received numerous reports of robocalls of all types. Some residents are reporting repeated, abusive calls – for example, 15 calls a day, minutes apart.

Get a call or email telling you that you need to pay a bill, fine or fee with bitcoin? It is a SCAM.

If you were scammed, act quickly to stop a scammer from getting your money. Scammers move fast, so every minute counts. Success isn’t guaranteed, but taking these steps may limit your losses.

Scammers frequently target people with student loan debt. Scammers can be very convincing. They con borrowers into paying for bogus debt relief or into revealing private information.

Scammers posing as electric company employees are calling, texting, and even going door to door threatening Cuyahoga County residents with immediate utilities shutoffs if they don’t pay.