What to know about the Lorain County rent aid scam

A social services organization in Lorain County has issued a warning about con artists preying on rent-assistance recipients.

According to a news release from the organization on Thursday, scammers are sending emails and texts pretending to be from the Lorain County Community Action Agency and offering targets $750 in rent help in exchange for $200 in cash.

The press statement declares that no Lorain County resident will ever pay for rental assistance.

Scammers taking advantage of people's desperation is repugnant, according to agency President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein, who is quoted in the announcement. "Neither the LCCAA nor any other respectable organization ever requests payment in exchange for assistance."

Even now, the organization doesn't provide rental help. The county Department of Job and Family Services now offers it. However, Boehnlein predicted that with governmental clearance, rental assistance will return to the organization.

Residents are encouraged to alert local law enforcement or the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission to any suspicious conduct. On the Attorney General's website or by phoning 800-282-0515, scams can also be reported.