Island Residents Targeted by Phone Scams

The Bar Harbor/Mount Desert Police Department shared with us that 2 Island residents were targeted by phone scams in the past week. You know that this is the tip of the iceberg and more and more Mainers are being targeted.

In each attempt, the callers identified themselves as federal law enforcement officers and advised the residents that they were implicated in drug-related crimes occurring out-of-state. The residents were then pressured to transfer money to the callers in return for resolution of the matter.

Law enforcement agencies across the country have seen a consistent uptick in these incidents. While some of the details differ, the tactics used typically involve:

The caller(s) introducing themselves as a member of a law enforcement agency

The caller(s) advising the victim that they are implicated in criminal activity and/or have a warrant for their arrest.

The caller(s) applies high-pressure and/or threats, which may also involve accusing the victim of other crimes or immoral activity

The callers(s) may purport to be working with local law enforcement and may provide the names of local officers

The caller(s) directs the victim to send money to a provided address-In some cases, victims have met individuals involved in the fraud in-person to transfer the funds.

Local or federal law enforcement will never demand via phone that an individual provide money. All phone calls, text messages or emails that contain a request for money should always be seen as suspect. In the event that such a call, or other communication, is received, residents are asked to take no action with the caller/sender and to make contact with a local law enforcement agency.

For general questions, or for additional fraud prevention resources, please contact: cdickens@barharbormaine.gov

If you live on the Island, you can call the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Departments at 207-288-3391 or 207-276-5111. If you are reading this elsewhere and have questions you are encouraged to call the non-emergency number of your local police department.