Don’t be a victim of a scam. Follow these 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 three-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 website www.bewareof876.com.
If you need the police in the Houlton area, call (207) 532-2287 or dial 911 for emergency.
