Senior Scam Prevention and Fraud Resources in Maine

I. Overview: Maine’s Senior Population and Key Cities

State of Maine

As of 2024, Maine has a population of approximately 1.34 million, with over 300,000 residents aged 65 and older,  representing about 22.4% of the total population. This gives Maine the highest percentage of seniors among all U.S. states.

Due to its aging population and many rural communities, Maine’s seniors are often targeted by scammers using Medicare fraud, sweepstakes scams, romance hoaxes, and Social Security or IRS impersonation. Education and timely reporting are essential to prevent serious financial harm, especially for isolated older adults.

The three largest cities where elder scam activity is most often reported are:

  • Portland (approx. 68,000 people)
  • Lewiston (approx. 37,000 people)
  • Bangor (approx. 31,000 people)

II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Maine’s Seniors

In 2024, Maine had 608 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $12,980,616.

Loss by Crime Type

Crime TypeLoss Amount
Investment$5,450,171
Tech Support$2,384,469
Government Impersonation$1,461,458
Romance$625,586

III. Emergency and Official Contacts

 Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud and Financial Crimes

1. Portland Police Department – Criminal Investigations

  • Phone: (207) 874-8575 (non-emergency)
  • Website: portlandmaine.gov
  • Contact for financial fraud, scams, and suspicious calls.

2. Lewiston Police Department – General Inquiries

  • Phone: (207) 513-3001 ext. 3324 (non-emergency dispatch)
  • Website: lewistonmaine.gov
  • Assists with scam reports and elder financial exploitation cases.

3. Bangor Police Department – Community Policing

  • Phone: (207) 947-7382 (non-emergency)
  • Website: bangormaine.gov
  • Report fraud, identity theft, or phone scams targeting seniors.

 FBI and Federal Scam Reporting

FBI Boston Field Office (serving Maine)

  • Phone: (857) 386-2000
  • Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: www.ic3.gov
  • Use to report phishing, online scams, and tech support fraud.

 Maine Attorney General – Elder Fraud and Consumer Protection

Office of the Maine Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division

  • Consumer Protection Hotline: (207) 626-8849
  • Website: www.maine.gov/ag
  • Handles complaints of elder scams, telemarketing fraud, and financial abuse.

 Statewide Elder Services and Medicare Fraud Support

Maine Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • APS Reporting Line: (800) 624-8404 (24/7)
  • Website: www.maine.gov/dhhs
  • Investigates elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

Maine Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

  • Phone: (800) 262-2232
  • Website: www.smpmaine.org
  • Helps identify and report Medicare billing fraud and scams.

Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

  • Info Line: (207) 287-9200
  • Website: www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
  • Provides statewide services for elder safety, advocacy, and fraud prevention.

 You’re Not Alone ,  Speak Up Early

  • Maine seniors lose millions each year to scams. Many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or fear.
  • Report suspicious activity right away. The sooner you act, the better the chance of stopping it.
  • Visit our Education Center to explore red flags, real-world examples, and how to respond safely.
  • Pause. Don’t pay. Don’t share. Talk to someone you trust.
Maine Seal

 Share Your Story

Have you or a loved one experienced a scam, or stopped one just in time? Your story could help protect someone else.

Share Your Story