Don’t be a victim of a scam. Here are some simple tips.
If you get a call saying you’re a winner, don’t pay any money to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings. Legitimate operations won’t require you to pay to collect your winnings. It’s against federal law to play a foreign lottery, so if you get a call, it is likely a scam.
Never wire money to anyone with whom you are not familiar.
Never provide anyone with personal information such as bank accounts, pin numbers or social security numbers.
Check any unfamiliar area codes before returning calls.
Be aware that there are many 3-digit area codes that connect callers to international telephone numbers-especially 876.
If you do not have caller ID, consider adding it to your phone service. Caller ID allows you to add a call intercept feature that screens calls and offers the option to reject suspicious international calls.
If you do not make international calls, ask your telephone provider to block outgoing international calls.
Contact your phone service provider, local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission to report a potential scam.
If you are a FairPoint Communications customer and would like to speak with security, please dial 855-231-1660.
This information and more can be seen on the web at www.bewareof876.com.
If you need the police in the Houlton area, call 207-532-2287 or 911 for emergency.