BANGOR, Maine — Police are warning the public about a string of recent fraudulent calls impersonating a lieutenant with the Bangor Police Department.
Bangor police received calls from several citizens Friday reporting that someone contacted them by telephone saying they were Lt. Jason Stuart, the police department said in a news release.
Police said the calls appear on caller ID as the Bangor Police Department, but they are not actually from the department.
"The caller then states that the potential victim has missed a court date and they must pay a fee through gift cards or Bitcoin," the release stated. "The caller often demands that the victim remain on the phone and not speak with anyone until the money has been paid."
Police said Friday they received two other reports about similar activity earlier this week, and one of them resulted in a loss of $9,000.
"Bangor Police Department will never demand you pay fines or fees through gift cards or Bitcoin," the release said.
Police advise anyone who may have concerns about a call they received from the Bangor Police Department to hang up the call and call them directly at 207-947-7384.