CUMBERLAND — A local resident narrowly escaped a sophisticated scam involving perpetrators posing as law enforcement officers and legal representatives, police said tonight.
Authorities in Cumberland were alerted after scammers contacted a resident claiming that a relative had been arrested following a car crash, urgently requiring funds for lawyers and bail.
The victim was instructed to withdraw $15,000 from their bank and prepare the cash in a special package to be collected by an unsuspecting rideshare driver, who would then deliver it to a location outside the city.
The scam, which employs rideshare drivers as unwitting couriers, has been seen nationwide.
It was averted when a family member contacted the victim to inform them that they were unharmed, leading to the involvement of the Cumberland Police Department.
Officials emphasize that no legitimate entity will solicit cash payments in such a manner and advise the public to be vigilant against such fraudulent schemes.
The victim’s bank attempted to intervene, but the scammers had previously coached the victim to avoid disclosing any information.
The Cumberland Police Department has issued a reminder to the public to hang up immediately on suspicious calls, verify the well-being of relatives supposedly in distress, avoid transferring cash as described, and report any such incidents to local authorities.
Cumberland residents can contact the police department directly at 207-893-2810 x2.
The police shared a photograph of the $15,000 cash that was nearly handed off to a rideshare driver, urging the community to discuss these scams openly and support those who may feel embarrassed or ashamed after being targeted by such deceptive criminals.
