SCAM ALERT
The Gorham Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant following multiple reports of a sophisticated phone scam operating in our area.
Do not respond to any phone call claiming to be from the Gorham Police Department or Town of Gorham that asks you to purchase gift cards or provide personal information.
How the Scam Works
Scammers calling themselves “Florence” or “Felix Brown” are contacting individuals claiming to be from the Apple Pay Fraud Group. They state that your Apple Pay account has been compromised or that unauthorized withdrawals have occurred. To create panic and compliance, the scammers may falsely claim they found illegal content (such as child pornography) linked to your account, offering to “disregard” it if you cooperate. They will attempt to coerce you into resolving the issue by purchasing gift cards to “counter-react” the charges or fix the system.
Number Spoofing
These fraudsters are utilizing technology to spoof caller ID numbers. When they call you back, your phone may explicitly display “Gorham Police Department” or “Town of Gorham.” Important Safety Reminders:
We Will Never Demand Gift Cards:
No legitimate business, financial institution, or law enforcement agency will ever ask you to purchase gift cards to resolve an account issue, clear charges, or bypass a criminal investigation.
Do Not Rely on Caller ID:
Scammers can easily mimic official phone numbers.
Verify Independently:
If you want to check the validity of a call from us, hang up and dial our official non-emergency dispatch line directly. Do not use the call-back feature on your phone.
Protect Your Information:
Never provide personal identifiers, banking details, or passcodes over the phone to unverified callers.
Fortunately, alert residents have recognized these red flags and prevented financial loss. If you receive one of these calls, please hang up immediately. Help us protect our neighbors by sharing this information with family and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable to these high-pressure tactics. If you have received one of these calls or suspect that you have, please contact the Gorham Police Department immediately using the non-emergency line found on here on the Town Website.
Stay safe, Gorham!