AUGUSTA, Maine — Scam artists claiming to be from the Maine Office of Tourism are calling Mainers and demanding money, Attorney General Janet Mills warned Wednesday.
According to an alert distributed by Mills’ office, the apparent scammers claim to be selling advertising for a Maine tourism publication, then demand immediate payment over the phone.
Mills said in a statement that the callers are not from the Maine Office of Tourism or any of their subcontractors.
“Beware cold calls that pressure you to make an immediate payment,” said Mills in a statement. “A legitimate business will give you the time to think about your purchase and won’t require cash or a prepaid debit card transaction based on a phone conversation.
“If you receive one of these calls, hang up,” she continued. “If you have questions, call the Maine Office of Tourism in Augusta. Never give personal or financial information out over the phone on calls you did not initiate. If someone calls you and asks you to make payment by money order or prepaid debit card, that is a very big red flag that you are about to be scammed.”
The Maine Office of Tourism can be reached by calling 624-7483, and the attorney general’s consumer protection division can be reached at 800-436-2131 or consumer.mediation@maine.gov.