Incident Date: 03/05/2019
Incident time: Ongoing
Incident Location: Cumberland County, Androscoggin County
Release Date: 03/07/2019
Release Time: 1:00PM
On 03/05/2019, the Sheriff’s Office received several complaints in reference to fraudulent activity. Multiple citizens in Cumberland County, as well as surrounding towns in Androscoggin County, reported receiving telephone calls from “Detective Wayne Pike” of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Reports indicated “Detective Pike” was informing citizens they had an arrest warrant due to missing jury duty. “Detective Pike” informed citizens they could avoid arrest by purchasing gift cards (such as a REDDIT gift card) and provide the gift card numbers over the telephone. One citizen fell victim to the scam and sent $3,000 of gift cards.
The citizen’s targeted are psychologists and clinical social workers and it appears as if the scammer(s) obtained their contact information via the website: psychologytoday.com.
The scammer(s) used spoof telephone numbers showing up on Caller ID’s as local Naples, Maine telephone numbers. “Detective Pike” provided a Maine telephone number to return the call. The number provided went to an automated message for the “Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office”.
This is a reminder the Sheriff’s Office will never call and request/demand a form payment to be done over the telephone.
If you are a victim of similar fraudulent activity or have further information, you are asked to contact:
Detective Ashley Hall at ahall@cumberlandcounty.org or 207.774.1444 extension 2159.
Or call the Cumberland County Regional Communication Center at 207-893-2810.
Further Inquires can be addressed to:
Captain Don Goulet
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
207-774-1444