Local Business Taken Advantage Of By Phone Scammers

A Solon-based dry cleaning business lost nearly $1,000 after the owner fell for a phone scam, according to Solon Police.

Nite-N-Day Cleaners on Aurora Road eceived a call from someone claiming to be a representative of First Energy. The person on the phone said that the business was late on its electric bill and that it must pay $957.88 to keep the lights on.

The scammer told the owner, a 44-year-old man, that he should pay the bill using prepaid cards.

The owner did what the scammer said and later contacted First Energy and learned he had been scammed.

Detectives are investigating.

It's not the first time such a scam has happened in recent weeks to a Solon business. D & R Bagels on Aurora Road received a similar call, but the business did not fall for it.