Cuyahoga County’s Scam Squad is preparing to launch a teller-based fraud prevention program with local banks and credit unions.
The program uses a half-sheet questionnaire to make customers pause before taking out large amounts of cash, according to Cleveland 19.
At Unity Catholic Credit Union, tellers are instructed to use the handout when a customer tries to withdraw $5,000 or more.
The county is recruiting banks and credit unions for a beta test expected to begin in late summer or early fall.
The Handout Targets Large Cash Withdrawals
The questionnaire uses yes-or-no prompts before a customer completes a large withdrawal. Cleveland 19 reported that one question asks whether the customer is taking out cash to deposit into a cryptocurrency machine or an ITM.
Unity Catholic Credit Union has used a similar questionnaire since 2024. That version became the model for the Scam Squad’s countywide beta program.
Brian Kiggins of Unity Catholic Credit Union said $5,000-plus withdrawal attempts happen three or four times a month at that branch alone.
Scammers Often Coach Victims Before They Reach The Bank
Sheryl Harris with the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs told Cleveland 19 that scammers often warn victims that someone at the bank may be part of the problem.
A victim may arrive already prepared to reject questions, hide the real reason for the withdrawal, or insist that the transaction is urgent.
The program was developed with input from psychologists and crisis intervention specialists. Kiggins said tellers can also use stalling techniques when a transaction appears suspicious.
A $15,000 Withdrawal Was Already Stopped
Kiggins said the questionnaire has already stopped at least one suspicious transaction at Unity Catholic Credit Union.
The customer had tried to withdraw $15,000 in cash. After answering the survey questions, she decided not to complete the withdrawal that day.
A Cincinnati research team will study the beta test results. The Scam Squad plans to use the data to adjust the questions and handout as needed.
The Questions Are Meant To Interrupt A Scam Script
Large cash withdrawals can show up in several common scams, including fake bank-fraud calls, tech-support scams, romance scams, jury-duty scams, government impersonation scams, and cryptocurrency kiosk schemes.
A caller may tell the victim to withdraw cash, avoid explaining the transaction to the teller, and claim the money is for a family emergency, home repair, car purchase, travel, or another cover story.
Customers should treat bank questions as a safety check, not an accusation. A short pause can give a victim enough time to call a trusted relative, contact police, or verify the story through a number they already know is real.
What Customers Should Do Before Taking Out Cash
Anyone told to withdraw cash because of an urgent phone call, pop-up alert, text message, online relationship, investment pitch, or supposed law-enforcement problem should stop before leaving the bank.
Customers should not deposit cash into a cryptocurrency machine, hand it to a courier, mail it, or deliver it to a stranger because someone on the phone said the account was unsafe.
The Cuyahoga County Scam Squad tells residents to report scams and speak with an investigator by calling 216-443-SCAM, or 216-443-7226, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Banks and credit unions in Cuyahoga County that want to participate in the beta test can call the Department of Consumer Affairs at 216-443-7035, according to Cleveland 19.