SANFORD, ME — The Sanford Police Department is warning residents about several scam attempts reported in March.
Most incidents did not result in financial loss, but police say they demonstrate common tactics scammers are using in the community.
In impersonation scams, callers posed as law enforcement or federal agents, including individuals claiming to be from Customs and Border Control, and attempted to scare victims with fake investigations or requests for money or information.
Scammers also called residents pretending to collect donations on behalf of the police or other organizations, according to police.
In social media and prize scams, victims reported being told they won a prize online and were then asked to pay a fee to receive it.
Police said individuals reported being contacted online and later receiving alarming messages, including fake kidnapping threats, designed to scare them into responding or sending money.
In one case, a resident reported giving out a Social Security number to someone claiming to be associated with Medicare.
Police said even without immediate financial loss, the Medicare scam creates a serious risk of identity theft.
