The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of a scam involving callers pretending to be a member of the sheriff’s department.
According to a press release, on Tuesday the sheriff’s office received several complaints about the fraudulent activity.
“Multiple citizens in Cumberland County, as well as surrounding towns in Androscoggin County, reported receiving telephone calls from ‘Detective Wayne Pike’ of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office,” the release states. Those complaints indicated the caller identifying themselves as Pike was informing citizens they had an arrest warrant due to missing jury duty. The impersonator then informed citizens they could avoid arrest by purchasing gift cards (such as a REDDIT gift card) and provide the gift card numbers over the telephone.
One citizen fell victim to the scam and sent gift cards worth $3,000.
The scammers targeted psychologists and clinical social workers and it appears they obtained contact information via the website: psycologytoday.com. The scammers used spoof telephone numbers showing up on caller ID’s as local Naples, Maine telephone numbers.
The scammer impersonating Pike also provided a Maine telephone number to return the call. The number went to an automated message for the “Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office”.
“This is a reminder the Sheriff’s Office will never call and request/demand a form payment to be done over the telephone,” the press release states.
If you are a victim of similar fraudulent activity or have further information, you are asked to contact: Detective Ashley Hall at [email protected] or 207-774-1444 extension 2159. Or call the Cumberland County Regional Communication Center at 207-893-2810
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