Lewiston, ME – The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office issued a public scam alert Tuesday warning residents about increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts circulating by phone, text, email, and social media.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are posing as law enforcement, the IRS, banks, and even family members to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Common tactics include creating a sense of urgency or fear — such as claiming a Social Security number has been suspended — or offering prizes that require upfront payment.
Officials stressed that the Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Residents are advised to verify suspicious messages by contacting agencies directly through trusted phone numbers or official websites.
The department recommends following three key steps: Stop, Think, and Verify — don’t respond immediately, question whether the message makes sense, and confirm it with the legitimate organization.
Residents who encounter scam attempts are encouraged to report them to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call the Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency number.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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