Sheriff's Office warns public of scams

COUNTY — A couple of scams have been circulating the county that everyone should be aware of, the Oxford County Sheriff's Office warns. 

The first of the scams is known as the "grandparent scam" – someone calls stating they are a grandchild and have been accused of wrongdoing, according to the SO. 

The telephone line is full of static, but the caller continues to claim they are somehow in trouble, that they have been falsely accused and need bail money. 

The SO suggests, that if this happens, call a family member to confirm the phone call. 

If the caller states they are a bail bondsman, get their phone number and call the local police immediately to report it. 

According to the SO, nine times out of 10, this is certainly a scam. 

Another scam that pops up frequently is the "Publishers Clearing House" scam. 

For example, "you get a phone call stating you won a large sum of money and a new car," the SO reported. "The only thing is, they ask you to go to Walmart and buy a Green Dot Pay Pal Card to pay for the tax for the vehicle." 

Then, the SO continued, the caller asks "if you have a credit card and if you owe anything on it and they offer to pay for it through Wells Fargo Bank, then you can charge the tax for the new vehicle you just won." 

According to the SO, this is a red flag – it points out that if you won something then it's "free" and you shouldn't have to pay for it. 

 "Sending someone to Walmart to buy a Pal Pal card so it's not traceable is a definite scam," it reported. 

In addition, the SO reminds you that if someone knocks on your door to try to sell something, but you want them to leave and they won't – call 9-1-1. 

It also advises to get a license plate number and vehicle description if you are able to. 

The SO now also has a permanent prescription drug drop-off box located at 26 Western Avenue in South Paris. Drugs can be dropped off anytime Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during regular business hours.