Be on lookout for extortion scam

2/24/2016 Download PDF here

It has come to the attention of the City of Parma Law Director Tim Dobeck that Parma residents may be at risk of becoming victims of a potential extortion scheme. This scheme seems to specifically target senior residents and we ask this population to be particularly vigilant.

The details of this deception are as follows: an individual comes to the victim's residence, when the victim is not home, and claims to have slipped and fallen on the property. The individual then demands payment for his injuries in exchange for not filing a civil law suit against the victim.

If you are ever in this situation, please call the Parma Police Department immediately. After contacting the Police Department, call your homeowners insurance company. Do not pay any money to the individual who allegedly fell without first contacting your homeowner's insurance company.

Any action for a "slip and fall" requires negligence on the part of the property owner. This Department recommends that property owners keep their properties in proper and safe condition to guard against liability. All necessary maintenance should be completed promptly and unsafe areas should be corrected immediately.

Parma residents may also enroll in Parma's "Do Not Knock" registry. The registry is a list of residences that would not like to have their homes approached by peddlers or solicitors. To enroll in the registry please visit: http://www.Cityofparma-oh.gov/en-US/Do-Not-Knock-Form.aspx  or call the Parma Safety Department at 440-885-8174.

 

Important Parma phone numbers:

 

Parma Police Department:	440-885-1234
Parma Law Department:	440-885-8132
Parma Safety Department	440-885-8174