Have you received a call from “Rachel” from Credit Card Services offering to lower your interest rates? (Who hasn’t?). Has someone called to announce that you’re the big winner in a lottery? (You’re “lucky” if they’ve not). Have you been called by a Medicare “representative” asking for confirmation of your Social Security and direct deposit bank account numbers? (Many people have!)

These are but a few of the scams currently being used by the multitude of unscrupulous callers who make a living by using someone else’s money and identity. That “someone else” is usually an older member of the community — these scams target seniors.

Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD’s goal is to keep seniors safe. If you receive any phone call asking for money or your personal information — JUST HANG UP! No government office or legitimate business will make such a request over the phone.

The Maine Attorney General recently issued a warning to Maine Medicare recipients about phone calls from scammers who claim to be from Medicare. The caller claims that new Medicare cards are being issued and they need you to provide this information before sending out the new card. If you think you’ve experienced such a scam, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection hotline at 626-8849.

If you have any questions, comments, or want more information, check TRIAD website at www.merrymeetingbaytriad.org or call 751-6989. We’re always glad to hear from you. — Submitted by Connie Lewis