Mayor Warns of Scam Involving Event Registration and Payments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaynie Potts

Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer and Assistant to the Executive

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Ext. 1000

delaynie.potts@villageofrutland.org

RUTLAND, Ohio — Mayor Tyler M. Eblin is warning the public of a scam involving event registration and payments. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Rutland Village Clerk's Office received a complaint from an individual who attempted to register for the upcoming craft vendor fair at Rutland Civic Center, scheduled for Saturday, March 14.

According to the complaint, the individual allegedly attempted to register for the craft vendor fair online via Facebook, through a page named, "Rutland Town Community Events", with the other party allegedly impersonating a Village official demanding for payment via Chime, utilizing a fee schedule that had not been approved by the Mayor's Office. When the individual explained that they did not have a Chime account, the other party demanded payment through other online payment applications.

In response, Mayor Eblin has issued the following statement:

The Village of Rutland has been informed of a complaint involving the use of the Village government's official seal, name and a community event to exploit persons through unverified means of electronic payment applications.

It is important to remember the Village of Rutland will never ask for payments via Chime or any other electronic payment application. Ohio law requires the Village of Rutland to collect, process and disburse electronic payments via a credit card processor for government agencies.

The Village of Rutland only utilizes Bridge Payment, and formerly AllPaid, to collect, process and disburse any and all ACH, credit and debit payments made online. The Village's online payment portal via Bridge Payment is authenticated with the official government seal, and the name of the department or office collecting the payment, located at the heading of the payment portal.

Persons suspecting or experiencing scamming involving event registration and payments of fees to the Village of Rutland are asked to report these incidents to the Rutland Mayor's Office by calling (740) 742-2121, extension 1005.

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