My name is Deputy George Bradbury. I work for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. I am a resident of Harpswell. I live and work among you.
Don’t forget to stop
The fine for failure to stop at a stop sign is $146. Let’s all remember to drive carefully.
Tolls and other scams
In 2024, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office received 28 reports of fraud from the town of Harpswell. This number is too high, as the victims of this crime are usually out thousands of dollars. Here are a few helpful tips to avoid falling victim to scams.
Many of you have received a text saying you have an outstanding toll. There is a link you can follow to pay your toll so you won’t get a late fee. I am here to tell you that this is a phishing scam — a type of online fraud that aims to steal personal information such as credit card numbers.
If you have outstanding tolls, you will not get a text. The agencies that operate toll highways will send you a letter, often with a picture of your license plate and an accounting of when and where you passed through tolls. You can either call to pay the toll or go to the agency’s website.
There are many phishing scams out there, so it is best to be aware of what might be coming up. If you get an email with an offer, always remember that if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
I suggest that all families have a code word. If a scammer calls and impersonates a family member, simply ask for the code word. It also would be in your best interest to ask your bank to set up a code phrase to keep your account safe.
In stores, there are now signs by gift card racks to remind you that neither utility companies, the IRS, nor any other government agency will ask for payment in the form of gift cards. Also, financial institutions will not ask for your help to find bad employees. They have their own fraud departments.
If you think you have been scammed, call our office at 800-501-1111. You can find an up-to-date list of common scams on the FBI website, at fbi.gov/scams-and-safety.
Remember, let’s be safe out there! And don’t get voted off the islands.
The views above are the views of Deputy George Bradbury, not of the town of Harpswell or the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
