The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is warning county residents of a possible scam in which the scammers impersonate a local business.
The sheriff’s office learned of the attempted scam last weekend.
On Sunday, March 18, at about 10:15 a.m., a resident of Bristol received a call and the caller ID showed “Colby & Gale,” the name of a Damariscotta business that delivers heating fuel and provides other services.
The scammer told the resident they had won a contest. “The resident wisely hung up immediately,” LCSO Lt. Michael Murphy said in a press release.
The sheriff’s office contacted Colby & Gale Inc. and confirmed that it is not running any contests.
The sheriff’s office asks anyone who has received or responded to a call of this type to report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.
Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett is warning citizens to be wary of such calls and to be aware that they cannot always trust what is shown on their caller ID. This information can be faked and could read the name of any person or business.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious calls and use common sense when they receive unsolicited offers.
“You should never give out personal or financial information if you are uncertain of who you are talking to,” Murphy said.
