Staff photo / Chris McBride
Struthers police Chief Tim Roddy sits in his office at the Struthers Police Department. With 40 years of experience, Roddy has seen scams evolve from chain letters to elaborate Bitcoin schemes. “Scammers prey on fear and lack of tech knowledge,” Roddy said. “Always ask questions if something feels off.”

As scams become increasingly sophisticated, local law enforcement officials are urging residents to stay vigilant and question anything that seems too good to be true.

Struthers police Chief Tim Roddy and Youngstown police Captain Jason Simon recently sat down to discuss the evolving nature of scams, the challenges of investigating them and how the public can protect themselves.

Roddy, a 40-year veteran of the force, has seen scams evolve from chain letters and Nigerian prince schemes to complex digital frauds involving cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.

“A lot of scams now involve technology,” Roddy said. “They use scare tactics, like sending a text or email claiming your bank account has been hacked, and then instructing you to transfer money or buy gift cards to ‘fix’ the problem.”

One of the most alarming scams Roddy mentioned revolves around Bitcoin machines. Scammers convince victims to withdraw large sums of money from their bank accounts and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine, often under the guise of protecting their funds from a supposed hack.

“Once that money is transferred, it’s gone within hours, usually overseas,” Roddy said. “We’ve put up signs at Bitcoin machines in the city warning people that if they’re instructed to deposit money, it’s a scam.”

Simon, who has 25 years of experience with the Youngstown Police Department, echoed Roddy’s concerns, noting that scams often follow seasonal trends.

“Around tax season, we see IRS scams. During the holidays, it’s gift card scams,” Simon said. “But now, we’re seeing more advanced tactics, like deepfake technology where scammers use artificial intelligence to mimic a loved one’s voice and ask for money.”

Both officers said elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to these schemes. “They’re not as familiar with technology, and scammers are very good at exploiting fear,” Roddy said.

Simon added that while scams target all demographics, older adults are often less likely to question unsolicited calls or emails.

Roddy and Simon offered several tips to help residents avoid falling victim to scams:

• If you receive an unexpected call, text, or email asking for money or personal information, be skeptical. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Simon said.

• If you’re unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact the company or organization directly using a phone number or website you know is authentic. “Don’t use the contact information provided in the suspicious message,” Simon advised.

• Avoid gift card requests, as both officers warn no legitimate company or government agency will ask you to pay with gift cards. “If someone asks you to buy a gift card, it’s a scam. Hang up immediately,” Simon said.

• Scammers are now sending unsolicited packages with QR codes, claiming they’ll reveal the sender. “Scanning these codes can lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information,” Simon said.

• If you fall victim to a scam, report it to local authorities as soon as possible. While recovery is often difficult, especially with overseas scams, timely reporting can help law enforcement track and potentially stop further fraud.

Both officers acknowledged the difficulties in investigating scams, particularly when they involve international actors.

“Once the money is gone, it’s usually untraceable,” Roddy said. “We rely heavily on state and federal agencies like the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI to track these cases.”

Simon added that underreporting is a significant issue. “Many people don’t report scams if they don’t lose money, but reporting these attempts helps us build a database and identify trends,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Roddy and Simon remain committed to raising awareness and educating the public. “The best defense is knowledge,” Roddy said. “If you’re ever in doubt, call us. We’re here to help.”

As scams continue to evolve, local law enforcement urges residents to stay informed, ask questions and always err on the side of caution.

“Scammers prey on trust and fear,” Simon said. “Don’t let them win.”