Mainers are being cautioned to stay alert to scammers posing as public officials or employees.
The Portland Police Department reports that it has received a number of complaints of phone calls soliciting donations seemingly on behalf of the department or other public agencies.
The callers are seeking credit card information in order to process the payment. Mainers are being reminded that public agencies, including the Portland Police Department, will not solicit donations.
It is best practice never to give out your credit card or other important personal information over the phone, especially if you can not verify the identity of the person you are speaking with. If you must pay for something over the phone, it is best for you to call the organization directly.
You can find information on how to register your phone number under the Federal Trade Commission’s “do not call” list online.
