Elaine Wilcox, Fayette All-Age Friendly Committee member on the left, listens attentively as Kennebec County Sheriff and Selectman Toby Pond discusses scam prevention tips during the Dec.16 meeting at Starling Hall in Fayette. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

FAYETTE — How would you respond if a caller claimed your grandchild was in jail or that you owed thousands to the IRS? Residents of Fayette gathered at Starling Hall on Dec. 16 to learn how to identify and avoid scams that often prey on the unsuspecting. Muffins provided by the Apple Shed Bakery added a warm, welcoming touch to the meeting.

The Fayette All-Age Friendly Committee [FAAFC], a group dedicated to fostering a safe and connected community for residents of all ages, hosted the event as part of its ongoing efforts to provide educational programming.

Kennebec County Sheriff and Fayette Selectman Toby Pond led the discussion, sharing real-life examples of fraudulent schemes and offering practical advice. “No one is exempt from these types of calls,” Pond told attendees. He shared that even his name has been used in scams, with fraudsters pretending to be him to con residents out of money.

Using handouts, Pond detailed scams involving fake arrest warrants, fraudulent claims about relatives in distress, and requests for gift cards. “If it sounds fishy, it is,” he said. Pond emphasized that scammers often prey on fear and urgency to manipulate their victims. “Don’t be scared, even though it is hard not to be scared in the moment. Confirm what is going on before you pass along money or info,” he advised.

Attendees shared their own experiences with scams. One resident recounted receiving a Medicare scam call, while another described a fraudulent call from someone claiming to be from the post office about a package. Pond noted that scammers often use technology to make their calls appear local. “You might get a call that looks like it’s from a 207 area code or even your own town, but it’s not,” he explained.

During the discussion, the group referenced two movies illustrating the emotional toll of scams. The Beekeeper, a revenge thriller about a man avenging an older woman scammed out of her savings, brought some levity to the conversation. Another movie, Thelma, which follows an elderly woman turning the tables on scammers with help from her friends, resonated more with attendees. “That one sounds more like our style,” one participant noted.

Pond provided actionable tips to prevent scams:
• Don’t engage with suspicious callers. “The minute I get a suspicious call, I hang up,” Pond said. “Block the number if you can.”
• Verify claims before acting. “Hopefully, we make that additional call to ask the bank or call the person who is supposedly in jail,” he added.
• Avoid gift cards or cryptocurrency as payment methods. “If someone says to transition money to a gift card or Bitcoin, just don’t,” Pond warned.
• Use a family code word. One attendee suggested creating a private family code word to verify identity in case of emergencies, such as calls claiming a relative needs bail money. “It’s a good idea to have a code word that isn’t obvious, like a pet’s name or an in-law’s name,” the attendee said.

Additional tips from federal agencies reinforced Pond’s advice. The Federal Trade Commission [FTC] and USA.gov recommend:
• Be skeptical of unsolicited requests. Legitimate organizations will not ask for personal or financial information through unexpected calls, emails, or messages.
• Recognize the signs of a scam. Scammers often pressure victims to act immediately or promise prizes in exchange for sensitive information.
• Enable two-factor authentication [2FA]. Adding 2FA to your accounts can help prevent unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.
• Monitor financial accounts regularly. Check bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions or accounts.
• Report scams. File reports with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center [IC3] at ic3.gov.

Pond also shared a personal story about his grandmother, who nearly fell victim to a scam. “She got a call saying I was in jail in Florida,” he recounted. “She thought it was legit and almost acted on it. Luckily, she called my dad, and he told her I was at work.”

When asked about reporting scams, Pond encouraged attendees to take action but tempered expectations. “It’s not a waste of time to report it, but the chances of recouping your money are slim to none,” he said.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to invite representatives from Franklin Savings Bank to provide further education on financial safety.

Pond concluded with clear advice: “Just don’t give strangers money. Verify, then act. Don’t act first.”

For more information on community events, visit Starling Hall or contact the Fayette Town Office.