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Protecting yourself from scams
The Ohio Department of Commerce estimates that Ohioans collectively lose $150 million to scammers. Last year, in Cuyahoga County alone, the losses to scams were more than $5 million.

Senior citizens have long been the focus of consumer protection efforts due to scammers preying on them using fear and high-pressure techniques to get at their money and personal information. But the rise of artificial intelligence and people spending more time online, has helped to reshape the narrative as increasingly, even younger, digital savvy people are also becoming victims.

According to the Better Business Bureau of Cleveland, younger adults are scammed more often but older adults suffer larger money losses.

Cuyahoga County Scam Squad

This week the focus is on consumer protection and educating people on how to spot scams through National Consumer Protection Week, but the awareness is needed year round. Experts say it is becoming more difficult to determine what is real and what is a scam.

We're going to talk about scams and how to protect your money and personal information to begin today's show.

Call the Cuyahoga Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM (7226) to talk with an investigator 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Guests:
-Sheryl Harris, Director, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, Cuyahoga County
-Katie Hills, Marketing Director, Better Business Bureau Cleveland

The Future of Burke Lakefront
Burke Lakefront Airport is full of contradictions. Corporate executives fly in and out on private jets, yet it's partially built with dredged up dirt and trash from the Cuyahoga River.

It was hailed in 1947 when it opened as the nation's downtown airport, but usage has been steadily declining for years.

Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland on Jan. 21, 2026.
Ygal Kaufman
/
Ideastream Public Media
Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland on Jan. 21, 2026.
The Cleveland International Airshow is a large economic driver, but only occupies the airport a few days each Labor Day weekend.

There's been a long-running debate over what to do with the airport, with Mayor Justin Bibb saying it's a goal of his to close Burke and transform the land.

Wednesday night, the next "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" tackles what to do with Burke. Next in the hour, we'll look back at the history of the airport and discuss what's currently underway.

Guest:
Steve Litt, Freelance Reporter covering art, architecture and economic development, Ideastream Public Media

Originally aired on the "Sound of Ideas" on March 4, 2026.