The Summit County Office of Consumer Affairs is warning area residents of two scams.

A local business reported receiving calls from an individual claiming to be from the Summit County Police Department asking for donations to take needy children shopping at Wal-Mart. When the business started questioning the telemarketer about the donation, the caller became abusive and hung up.

Consumer Affairs Director Cynthia Sich tells AkronNewsNow there is no Summit County police department, only the Sheriff's Office, and they are not soliciting such donations over the phone.

" It is not uncommon for shysters to use familiar sounding names that mimic legitimate organizations and just because the words “police”, “firefighter” or “veteran” come up in a name does not mean that it is affiliated with your local agencies. This is a great opportunity for our office to remind consumers and businesses alike to be skeptical of solicitations for donations by phone, mail or even in-person. “In this instance, the scammer claimed to be from an agency that does not exist in our area. Had the business not asked questions but just gave their account information, their donation, and possibly more, would have gone into the pockets of the con artist and not to help those in need," says Sich. She says its best to call the department being represented and verify whether the solicitation is legitimate.

The second incident involves reports from residents in Bath and Richfield Townships of an unlicensed door-to-door female solicitor selling educational study guides and software for kids for Southwestern Advantage (The Southwestern Company). The complaints have indicated that the solicitor is presenting the county’s license application form as her license. Sich says the woman is not licensed with the county.

Cynthia Sich says when a solicitors knocks on your door make sure to verify their credentials. Ask to see their license and read it to make sure it is a license and not an application. If residents do not wish to be approached by solicitors, canvassers, or peddlers should post “No Soliciting ” notice by their entrance doors. Should an unlicensed solicitor appear at your door, contact your local law enforcement.