AUBURN — The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office issued an urgent warning Tuesday about phone scammers impersonating law enforcement officers to defraud residents.
Multiple residents have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to be deputies or other law enforcement officials, according to Sheriff Eric Samson.
The callers tell victims they have outstanding arrest warrants that can be resolved by making immediate payments.
“These scammers are using the names of actual officers from our department to appear legitimate,” Samson said at a 10 a.m. press conference.
The fraudsters specifically instruct victims to pay using Amazon gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash transfers.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that law enforcement agencies never call residents demanding payment to avoid arrest.
“That’s simply not how the legal system works,” said Chief Deputy William Gagne. “We don’t call people about warrants and we certainly don’t ask for gift cards.”
Authorities advise anyone receiving such calls to hang up immediately and report the incident to their local police department.
The scam appears to be targeting elderly residents throughout Androscoggin County, with similar incidents reported in Lewiston and Lisbon.
Officials urge residents to share this information with vulnerable family members who might be susceptible to such scams.
