Staff Writer
‘Tis the season of giving and that’s just what some criminals are counting on, according to police who’ve received a number of complaints from citizens reporting a variety of phone scams asking individuals to give out personal information and money. The Presque Isle and Washburn police departments have both received calls from residents who report receiving calls on their cell phones with recorded messages usually indicating there’s a problem with the person’s debit card. To correct the problem, the message then gives another number — different from the number the call originates from — and tells the person that, in order to correct the problem, they need to provide personal data and confirm things like their account and pin numbers.
Some calls request debit card numbers for the purpose of Christmas shopping, while others indicate there’s been a problem with their account or their account has been frozen until the data on the account is confirmed.
“We received a complaint recently from a resident who indicated she and her husband each received calls on Friday on their cell phones seeking debit card information. They didn’t provide any and reported the calls to us,” said Patrolman Neil Ouellette, WPD.
Sgt. Mark Barnes, PIPD, said his department has also received several similar calls. He said the calls are scams and recipients shouldn’t provide requested data.
“Criminals take advantage of people this time of year. It’s a shame, but they’re out there, waiting for their next victim to fall for their tactics,” said Barnes.
Another scam making its rounds in Presque Isle and surrounding communities has targeted primarily elderly citizens.
“We haven’t received complaints with regard to the debit card scam, but we have had calls from elderly residents who’ve been contacted by individuals claiming to be grandchildren in need of money. It’s sad. What grandparent wouldn’t want to help a grandchild in need?” said Chief Cyr Martin, Ashland Police Department.
“The person calling claims to be a grandchild who needs money immediately. Martin said unfortunately, some elderly people react and wire money without confirming the caller’s identity.
“They prey on the elderly,” said Martin.
The PIPD received a similar complaint from a local resident who questioned the authenticity of the call and, when it was discovered to be a hoax, contacted the police. The caller claimed to be a grandchild who’d had an accident out of state, but when the grandparent checked into the matter, it was discovered the grandchild was actually still in Maine and had not been involved in an accident in or out of the state.
Barnes said police can do little to help in such cases, because either the calls can’t be traced, numbers are no longer in service when called or calls originate out of state or even out of the country. Complaints to the PIPD have involved numbers originating from as far south as Mississippi and as far north as parts of Canada.
“These cases are difficult to investigate. There’s not a lot we can do but keep advising people to never give out personal information unless you know the party you’re speaking with. Financial institutions won’t call you requesting personal information; they already have it,” said Barnes.
Police also suggest, in the case of a loved one in need, coming up with a password to confirm the party’s identity. It could be anything from a child’s nickname to a family pet’s name — the more unusual, the better.
In the event you receive a suspicious call, advise your local police department.
“And never give out personal information over the phone,” said Barnes.
Local financial institutions have received calls in recent weeks from clients who’ve received such calls. Bank officials agree with advice administered by police.
“We’ve had a few customers report such calls to us. Our word is, ‘never give out that information.’ A bank will never contact a person over the phone or via e-mail, seeking personal information,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president, marketing and communications officer, Katahdin Trust Co.
Smith said if bank customers have given out such information, it’s the bank’s policy to cancel their account and open a new one.
“If they do give out personal information, we close their card and their checking account and set up a new one. The message from Katahdin is we never call or e-mail asking for that information. If you receive such a call, don’t provide the data and report it to authorities — at your bank and with police,” said Smith.
Smith said unfortunately on occasion someone falls for the scam.
“Especially during the holiday season. They call and catch you off guard. That’s why we’re (Katahdin) increasing our efforts to remind account holders to never provide personal information under those circumstances,” she said.
To help get the word out, Smith said Katahdin has added information on the company’s Web site on ways to safeguard your identity.
“We have a message on our Web site, katahdintrust.com, with the message ‘Don’t get caught in a scam.’ Under our privacy and security section, the ‘stay informed’ link offers tips to stay safe. We’ll also have reminders throughout the year — in statements and such — reminding the public to periodically check their financial information for accuracy and to keep the transmission of personal information limited. If they have any questions or concerns about their accounts, contact their bank or financial institution directly,” Smith said.
