CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Maine — On Wednesday, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office sent out a press release alerting the public to a recent influx of fraud cases.
The sheriff’s office said scammers have targeted the elderly population, often resulting in significant financial losses.
Victims have been contacted by phone or email regarding a close friend or family member who is in medical or legal trouble and needs money. The scammers pose as attorneys, bail bondsmen, and other “generally trustworthy people," the release stated. In an attempt to legitimize the calls, scammers provide victims with an alternative phone number to contact their “associate” who can “corroborate” their story.
“Oftentimes, these scammers are in possession of some type of personal information regarding their victim and the person they are purporting to represent/assist. Additionally, they have, in some cases, posed as the person who is in need of the victim’s assistance. This lends credibility to their claim and lowers the guard of potential victims,” the release stated.
The sheriff’s office reported that some scammers had arranged to meet their victims in person at their homes or in a public place to complete the transaction.
“The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office wishes to remind you that no credible institution- law enforcement, legal, financial, or medical will demand cash transactions or meet under these types of circumstances. If you have any questions about the credibility of someone posing as such a person we encourage you to take extra steps to protect yourself and verify their identity including, but not limited to: seeking advice from your financial institution (in person), calling the purported victim who is alleged to be in need your financial assistance using your normal means of communication (not a number provided by the scammer), and calling your local law enforcement agency for guidance,” the release stated.
Further inquiries can be addressed to, Captain Brian Ackerman Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (207) 774- 1444 ext. 2215
