For Immediate Release
Date: 07/22/09
Authorities ask people to immediately dial *57, then report call to State Police
PERRY - Senate Republican Leader Kevin L. Raye, of Perry, is expressing outrage at a continued phone scam in Washington County, in which the caller misrepresents himself as Raye and solicits money for veterans. He is also alerting people who receive such a call how they can help police trace the calls, even though they appear on caller I.D. as "unknown name, unknown number."
"It is disgusting that someone is not only misusing my name in this way, but that he is preying on people's genuine concern for our veterans in an effort to steal personal information and money," said Raye. "Fortunately, there is a way for the scammer's intended victims to help police trace these calls and apprehend the person or persons behind this fraudulent scheme."
Maine State Police Troop Jason Fowler, who is handling the case, echoes Raye's warning not to give out any personal information. According to Fowler, anyone receiving one of these calls, should hang up and immediately dial *57, which will allow the police to obtain phone records and trace the call. For this particular scam involving Senator Raye, after dialing *57, they should then call Trooper Fowler at 1-800-432-7381.
In order for the trace to work, it is important to immediately dial *57 before making any other calls.
This scam first came to Raye's attention in early June when a woman from Charlotte reported a call to him. Raye immediately alerted the police and the media. The calls appeared to have stopped until the past few days, when Raye received reports from constituents in Alexander and Eastport that they had just received similar calls. Raye now fears that the calls may have continued all along and that some people may have been duped into giving out their bank or credit card information.
While Fowler is handling the scam that is using Senator Raye's name, he warns people to be alert for other similar scams using the names of other well-known individuals or organizations. At the same time, Fowler notes there are many legitimate groups out there helping people. "I can't stress enough to never give out any information over the phone. If you feel you would like to give to a worthy cause, have the organization send you information for your review. This will allow you to check out the validity of the request, and a legitimate organization will give you time to do this," said Fowler.
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Contact:
Bonnie Gould
Maine Senate Republicans
Tel: (207) 287-1505
Fax: (207) 287-1527