Beware of scams
Identity theft, investment fraud and scams rob millions of Americans of their hard-earned money every year. Con artists use a myriad of scams to steal your hard-earned money, including phishing scams, tech-support scams, gold coin scams, oil and gas scams, sweepstakes and lottery scams, grandparent scams and many more. Although their methods are different, research shows that the tactics scammers use are the same.
A timely new AARP survey shows that Maine consumers are not only unaware of certain “holiday” scams, but many are regularly engaging in behaviors which could put them at risk of being victimized by con artists. For example, AARP’s survey found that 65 percent of Mainers who donated to a charity or fundraiser in the past 12 months did so without asking any questions about how that donation would be spent, and 61 percent made donations without verifying that the charity groups were legally authorized to raise money in Maine.
In addition, many holiday shoppers in Maine incorrectly believe that it is safe to access sensitive information via free WiFi networks as long as websites are secured by “https.” In fact, online security experts warn that consumers should never use public WiFi to access bank accounts or to buy products online.
One important step to take right away is to place a freeze on your credit report with all three major credit bureaus. This is the most effective way to protect yourself from identity theft and, thanks to a new law, placing the freeze is free. Call the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection or the Maine attorney general’s office to learn more.
For more tips, read the AARP survey by visiting aarp.org/MEHolidayScamSurvey. There is a lot we can do to stay safe from scammers this holiday season and this new survey is a great way to get started.
Jeff Fowler
Volunteer
AARP Fraud Watch Network
Buxton
Love, don’t hate, refugees
I am the interim minister for the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor. In conjunction with its Social Justice Committee, I am sharing this statement by Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which he issued Nov. 19, in response to the recent Syrian refugee backlash:
“After the tragic terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut, I had hoped that our elected leaders would act with love and courage for all victims of terrorism. But unfortunately, they have not. I am dismayed that over 30 U.S. governors have publicly proclaimed that they will not admit Syrian refugees into their states. And now … the House of Representatives [has voted] on a bill to hinder the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the United States. These are cowardly and fearful acts.
Syrian refugee families fled their homes to escape the terror of both the Bashar al-Assad regime and the ISIS militants. After their harrowing escapes into safer territories, these families are now facing more persecution and suffering as our nation turns its back on them and their plight. It is unconscionable.
We must not face terrorism with fear; love is the only thing that I know that can truly conquer hate. I call on our elected officials to lead on the side of love for refugees.”
We support Morales’s call for our elected leaders to act with love and courage for all victims of terrorism and to support resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the United States.
Rev. Arthur Vaeni
Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor
Bangor
Holiday takers, neighbors
For about 11 months of the year, “takers” use welfare money and SNAP benefits to help feed their families here in Maine. Apparently these hungry takers are likewise constantly scheming to defraud the rest of us Mainers by using their welfare money and SNAP benefits in nefarious undefined ways.
And then a true miracle happens. During the holiday season (roughly between Thanksgiving and Christmas) these same takers are miraculously transformed into “our neighbors.” That transformation — from takers to neighbors — allows us to generously donate thousands of turkeys and other foodstuffs — maybe even a candy cane — to those in need without worrying we’re complicit in welfare fraud. We can donate turkeys and holiday meals to our neighbors because we recognize that many of are unable to feed their families or enjoy a holiday meal like those of us who are more fortunate.
But not to worry — once the holidays are over the transformation ends (along with the candy apparently) and our same neighbors once again become takers.
Rebecca Irving
Northfield
Name calling is wrong
In his Nov. 19 BDN column, David Farmer suggested that conservatives and Republicans are dumb, dodoist and demonizing. (History buffs may recall “rum, Romanism and rebellion”). Name calling and blanket bashing of a group of people (whether that group happens to be immigrants or members of a political party) is taboo unless, in his judgment, it’s not.
Charlie Anderson
Stockholm