In a recent cybersecurity scam, smartphone users received a text from an unknown number with a message claiming a friend has written a compliment about them in a new app, according to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network. The text message contains a link that prompts them to download the specific app on their phone. There may […]
scams
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Beware of ‘free trial’ offers
Many promotional offers by companies lure consumers into accepting products or subscriptions, but then it can be difficult to avoid a bill, cautions AARP’s Fraud Watch Network. Often “free trial” offers require consumers to cancel after the free part ends. And when you don’t cancel, you’ll receive more of the product, along with the bill. […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine, sj-web
CMP customers warned of power bill scam
Portland-area law enforcement officials are warning of a telephone scam threatening Central Maine Power customers with power disconnection unless they pay bills with prepaid cards. Residential electricity customers are protected from immediate disconnection during the winter, and power companies never demand payment with prepaid cards, CMP spokeswoman Gail Rice said. “This is not new; scammers […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
If Equifax calls or emails you, it's not Equifax
AUGUSTA — As if the massive hack of Equifax isn’t enough, crooks are now trying to trick consumers into thinking their calls or emails are from Equifax. Emails and phone calls claiming to be from Equifax are going out to consumers, but they are not Equifax, said David Leach of the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Warning of unsolicited knocks on your door
According to the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a new scam involves victimizing homeowners with security signs in yards, on doors or windows. AARP reports that homeowners with home security system signs posted in their yards, doors or windows should be wary of a summer scam: Fraudsters are hiring college students to walk through neighborhoods looking […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Attorney General warns scammers offer grants on social media
AUGUSTA — Maine Attorney General Janet Mills wants residents to look out for a fraudulent government grant scam that is targeting residents via social media. Mills says the scammer typically poses as a government official, sometimes even falsely using the name of a real office or public official. She says they then ask for a […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
IRS scams target Franklin County, court scammers hit Maine
Franklin County is being hit hard by scammers claiming to be from the IRS, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office warned Wednesday. Residents have been inundated with phone calls from scammers posing as IRS employees, making statements that residents owe money and if they do not pay, they will be arrested, the Franklin County Sheriff’s office […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Imposter tried to get school employee info from 3 Maine districts
BRUNSWICK — A computer hacking operation has tried to trick three Maine school departments into handing over employees’ personal tax information. The Portland Press Herald reports the hacker or hackers posed as a district superintendent and sought information from W-2 forms. The attempt succeeded at least partially with the Brunswick school district. Brunswick Superintendent Paul […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Fraud watch: Home repair scams
Inclement weather means a rise in home repair scams. Scammers may claim to be plumbers, builders and roofers who show up “just to help.” They claim they have leftover materials and will give you a deal. Or they offer to give you a “free” inspection. Before agreeing to anything, homeowners should know the facts. In […]
Posted inFranklin
‘Customs’ scam robs Industry man
FARMINGTON — An Industry man is out $1,000 in a sweepstakes scam, after two men claiming to be FBI or U.S. Customs agents flashed badges and told the man he won $800,000. Franklin County Detective Lt. David St. Laurent was told that two men showed up at the residence wearing suits and driving a dark-colored […]