NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ - Bath, ME, United States, 2013/08/16 - Merrymeeting Bay Triad has launched a new program to recognize people who detect fraud before they are victimized, and who then report the incident to authorities - MerrymeetingBayTriad.org.

"A woman contacted us to report that she'd received a call from someone who told her that her daughter owed on a payday loan. If she did not pay the amount owed, she and/or her daughter would be arrested. Luckily she realized this was a scam and contacted her local police department."

"We just had a report from a senior who said she was called by a person claiming to be an employee from Eastern Area Agency on Aging who was asking for Medicare numbers."

"The senior was asked about her arthritis. The scammer then said he was calling to tell her about a new product that could reduce her pain and make the arthritis symptoms diminish. Then she was asked to give her Medicare number to determine if she qualified for the tool."

"When she refused, the caller hung up, and the police and state Attorney General’s office were notified."

Above are actual incidents of fraud attempts recently reported by Maine citizens.

After being made aware of such reports, Merrymeeting Bay Triad decided these people needed to be recognized for being enlightened about fraud and scams.

A spokesperson for Merrymeeting Bay Triad explains:

"We decided it would be a wonderful idea to recognize these people for having recognized the scam, and to show appreciation for their calling authorities, which helps to protect other people from the same scams or fraud."

"So we've launched a program to do just that, and we've created a handsome "Fraud Detection Award" certificate. The award will be presented to those who have encountered a scam or a fraud, whether by phone, mail or other means; have defeated the scammer's attempt, and consequently reported the incident to local police or other authorities. Recipients would receive their 8" x 10" certificate either via email, or by regular mail."

Merrymeeting Bay Triad (merrymeetingbaytriad.org) is a non-profit, volunteer organization that helps to keep older citizens in midcoast Maine safe from crime and fraud. The Triad is made up of three groups: local law enforcement, community service organizations, and older citizens in the area.

Agency / Source: Merrymeeting Bay Triad

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