LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Better Business Bureau is reminding residents to stay alert for phone scams, which often increase during the summer months.
Recently, scammers have targeted residents of Wood County by pretending to be from a school district or fire department in an attempt to solicit money or personal information. The BBB warns that legitimate fundraisers in the community would not use a phone call to request donations.
“Even if you get a legitimate call, you feel like it's legitimate. Don't do it over the phone. Go research, validate that it's a real cause. Call this fire department, call the school district, call the city. Are you running a fundraiser? And if they are, they're happy to take your donation a couple of days or a week later; it doesn't have to be that moment on the phone. That's a big red flag. If they're pressuring you on the phone for personal information or money, that's a big red flag,” said Lane Montz, president and CEO of BBB Northwest/West Central Ohio.
Montz noted that scammers operate year-round, but their tactics and the organizations they claim to represent often change with the seasons.
“And now, with back-to-school around the corner, we're starting to see more phone scams calling up on behalf of causes like a school, like a school district, or even a city municipality. They're using the cloak of government services to mask the scam and to tug at people's heartstrings to get them to give you,” Montz said.
Media Release from the Better Business Bureau of Northwest/West Central Ohio
BBB says don’t answer your phone! Don’t answer your door!
That might be extreme, but it is no surprise to BBB … or the Media … the scammers are out AGAIN this summer, targeting ANYONE WHO HAS A PHONE … or A DOOR! It never goes away, but instances increase in the summer.
BBB has received information from consumers, reporting potential scam calls from those claiming to represent police officers, fire fighters and school districts. *Wood County has recently been hit hard! The calls are often urgent and always include an appeal for funds.
● We’re currently raising money to support police officers, the brave men and women in need of bulletproof vests. We need your help to fund protective gear and family assistance programs!
● We’re raising funds to support our brave firefighters. They risk their lives daily to keep our families safe. We need your support for those injured in the line of duty!
● We’re seeking individuals and businesses willing to partner with our
local schools. Would you consider purchasing advertising space in our
2025 “Progress Report”? It will be distributed to all parents and staff in
the district. Spaces are limited — reserve yours today!
Then, of course … the appeal …
Can we count on you? Even a small amount would help.
Every dollar goes directly to the cause. We can send you an envelope,
to make it easy … or we can even come to your home and pick it up.
DOs and DON’Ts -
- DON’T trust caller ID – scammers can spoof numbers to look local or official.
- DON’T give personal or financial information over the phone to unknown callers.
- DO … Be vigilant … Hang up and verify – call the organization using a number you find yourself. Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, hang up.
- DON’T give in to urgency or pressure tactics like “donate now” or “final notice.”
- DO … Ask for proof – request written information or a tax ID before you donate.
- DO … Check organizations online – search for reviews or complaints.
- DO … Use call-blocking tools or register with the Do Not Call List (donotcall.gov).
- DON’T … under any circumstances … let people into your home!
- DO … Report scam calls to the Police, the Firefighters, the School Districts.
- DO … Protect Yourself with BBB’s Scam Tracker
(report a scam or look up a scam) www.bbb.org/scamtracker
