Fairpoint Communications and Maine law enforcement agencies have launched a campaign to stop telephone scammers operating out of Jamaica from swindling money from elderly residents.

FairPoint officials said con artists are calling from a Jamaica area code and telling their intended victims that they have won a Jamaican lottery prize or a car, but need to pay money upfront to cash in.

“In many cases the scammer befriends the victim, going as far as professing their love,intent to marry or even praying with them,” said FairPoint Senior Manager of Security Larry Caruso in a written release. ” Once a victim is scammed out of money for the first time, the scammers work to get more and more money, including access to bank accounts and credit card information.” If the victim says they are out of money, the threats begin. ” It becomes belligerent, aggressive, saying we’re going to turn you into the FBI and it can even threaten physical harm to some points” said Mike Smith of FairPoint Communications.To help convince people that they are credible, the scammers may read newspaper obituaries to identify recent widows, and tell them to wire funds to cover insurance expenses.  They may also use Google Earth to identify victims’ houses to issue realistic-seeming threats, consumer advocates explained.

FairPoint is now partnering with AARP and law enforcement to warn seniors about phone calls from the 876 area code. For more information on the Jamaican scams originating in area code 876, visit Beware of 876.

Last November you received a warning from Maine Attorney General William Schneider about automated phone calls from companies claiming to want to help you lower credit card interest rates, and ask for your credit and debit card numbers, then use that personal information to hack into and clean out your accounts. The A.G. is advising Mainers who get these robo-calls to hang up and contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (207) 626-8849. AARP reports that in the over 50’s population, only 20% use cellphones as their primary calling devices, making the home telephone a prime target for robo-calling. Caller ID can help screen your calls before answering.

Maine’s Office of Securities has also encouraged seniors and caregivers to report possible financial or investment exploitation of elders in Maine. Financial scams victimize 1 out of every 5 people over the age of 65. Don’t let it happen to you. In Maine, call toll free 1-877-624-8551 or click on the link for more information. With W-2 forms and other tax documents containing personal information and Social Security numbers being mailed out during January each year, Identity Thieves are active so we all need to be vigilant.

Maine Fraud Protection Alliance DASH Program in Southern Maine was established to warn and protect consumers from various financial fraud tactics employed. The alliance suggests the use of the acronym DASH  to help protect consumers from fraud attempts: D – delete unsolicited emails, A – ask to see permits from door-to-door sales people, S – shred junk mail and H – hang up on unsolicited phone calls. Click on the link for more details.  

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is still the best way to fight breast cancer. The Healthy Community of Greater Franklin County hosted a number of breast cancer awareness events throughout the Western Maine region last year. Breast health education, mammogram scheduling assistance and how to obtain free mammograms are some of the services offered through the Healthy Community Coalition. For more information call Jennifer McCormack, RN, at HCC office, 779-2926 or toll free at 1-800-525-3136. Women without insurance who do not meet the income threshold to qualify for a free mammogram through the Maine Breast Cancer and Cervical Health Program, may qualify through another funding source. Call Jennifer McCormack for more information.