Social Security and scam awareness

McLaughlin Garden outfoxes attempted scam

An unsolicited $2,000 donation was not only too good to be true, it was also a set-up to steal $2,000 in a bait and switch scam.

How safe are you from scams? Fayette residents learn to protect themselves

Residents of Fayette gathered at Starling Hall to hear Kennebec County Sheriff and Selectman Toby Pond share practical advice and personal stories about identifying and avoiding scams, emphasizing the importance of verification and caution.

Western Maine residents report scam callers posing as deputies, family members

Residents of Androscoggin and Oxford counties have been reporting phone calls from scammers posing as deputies or as recently incarcerated family members.

Maine attorney general warns consumers of misleading solar power ads

Solar energy customers have been advised that Maine does not require homeowners to convert to solar and that the state does not offer incentives, grants, rebates or tax credits to install home solar panels.

Maine Turnpike Authority warns of ‘smishing’ scam to collect phony toll charges

The scam involves text messages that appear to be from the Maine Turnpike Authority claiming there is an unpaid E-ZPass toll and threatening an additional fee if not paid immediately.

Oxford County sheriff warns residents of phone scam

Unidentified people claim there are arrest warrants and promise relief if money is paid.

5 arrested over ‘sham hospices’ alleged to bilk Medicare for over $15 million

As part of the alleged scheme, the three defendants misappropriated the identifying information of doctors to claim those physicians had deemed hospice services necessary for patients, federal prosecutors said.

Convicted scammer who victims say claimed to be a psychic faces extradition to UK

Marianne Smyth, who also claimed to be an Irish heiress and a witch, was arrested in Maine in February.

What to do (and avoid) after you’ve been scammed