AG Yost warns of scammers after severe weather hit northeast Ohio

Published

3 months ago

August 9, 2024

AG Yost warns of scammers after severe weather hit northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND — As residents recover from the strong storms and tornadoes that hit northeast Ohio on Tuesday, Attorney General Dave Yost is warning Ohioans to watch out for scammers.

Yost said these scammers could present themselves as home-repair experts or fake charities soliciting donations.

“Bad actors thrive on others bad fortune,” Yost said in a release. “Protect yourself from scammers – verify before you trust.”

Yost provided these tips for residents to protect themselves:

“Research the business. Ask for identification from the company representative; note the person’s name, address and phone number; and be cautious of any contractor who won’t provide this information. Check out the company’s reputation with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau and ask for references. You can also search for possible previous lawsuits filed by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.
Get multiple written estimates. Obtaining at least three written estimates from three distinct contractors could help you weed out bad apples.
Don’t make large payments in advance. Instead, pay in increments – for example, a third at the beginning of the job, a third after half of the work is completed to your satisfaction, and the final third when the job is completed.
Get all promises in writing. Insist on a written contract detailing the costs, the work to be done, the starting and end dates, and any verbal promises made by the contractor. The contract should also note whether subcontractors will be used and whether the contractor has or will obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Insist on being provided a copy of every document you sign or initial.
Understand your cancellation rights. If the contract resulted from a door-to-door sale, you generally have three days to cancel the contract, according to Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act. The seller should give you written notice of these rights.
Consider paying with a credit card. Paying with a credit card, as opposed to paying in cash or by check, generally gives you greater protection to dispute unauthorized charges.”

As for fake charities, residents can check the Research Charities webpage to see if charities have gone through registration requirements, see what others say about the groups and more.

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Man under arrest for Slavic Village arson

Published

7 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Press Room

Man under arrest for Slavic Village arson

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A man was arrested early Thursday for starting a fire in Slavic Village.

Crews were called the 3800 block of E. 50th Street around 2:15 a.m. for a report of a car fire.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found two houses on fire, with two cars on fire in between the homes.

Firefighters then called for additional units to respond.

The blaze was brought under control in about 30 minutes.

Slavic Village fire(Bingel, Julia | (Source: WOIO))

The Red Cross is helping six adults who are now displaced.

Cleveland firefighters said damage is estimated at $42,000.

The name of the arson suspect has not been released.

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Ohio Weekend Weather Alert: High Pressure Today, Rain Moving in Saturday Night for Cleveland Area

Published

16 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Press Room

Ohio Weekend Weather Alert: High Pressure Today, Rain Moving in Saturday Night for Cleveland Area

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Cleveland, OH – High pressure will keep Cleveland dry and mostly sunny through Friday, giving residents a pleasant break before a significant shift in weather over the weekend. Temperatures will remain near or slightly above average, peaking around 57°F today and 59°F on Friday. However, Cleveland residents should prepare for a wet Veterans Day weekend as low-pressure systems bring showers to the area.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Saturday night marks the arrival of increased cloud cover and a 40% chance of showers after midnight. By Sunday, rain is expected to be widespread, with a 100% chance of showers and a high of 64°F, making it essential for residents planning Veterans Day activities to anticipate wet conditions. Rain may continue overnight into Monday, with some relief likely on Tuesday as skies begin to clear.

For those traveling this weekend, particularly along major routes such as I-90, NWS advises caution on potentially slick roads due to rain. Veterans Day itself will start with a chance of showers before drying out in the afternoon, with a high of 59°F expected. Light to moderate winds from the northwest may add a chill to the air, so dressing in layers is recommended.

The forecast through mid-next week shows temperatures holding steady in the upper 50s, with a mix of sun and clouds expected by Tuesday. As weather systems transition, Cleveland residents should remain updated on changing conditions and prepare accordingly for the weekend rain. Check local forecasts frequently to stay informed on any further developments in the Veterans Day weekend weather pattern.