Fraud Watch- Amazon Imposter Scams

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

Criminals often impersonate major brands with large audiencesโ€”and Amazon is one of them.

In two newer tactics, scammers send text messages claiming a recent order was recalled, with a link to a fake Amazon website designed to steal account information. Or you get an email saying your Amazon Prime subscription is renewing at an unusually high price, prompting you to click a โ€œcancel subscriptionโ€ button that leads to a fake sign-in page.

If you have an Amazon account and get a communication seemingly from Amazon, sign into your account with the Amazon app or online at Amazon.com to see if there is a problem. You can report suspicious messages at amazon.com/reportascam or by emailing reportascam@amazon.com.


Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.


Share this news!

Fraud Watch- Traffic Violation Scams

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

After toll road scams spread last summer, a new version is surgingโ€”texts claiming you owe money for a traffic or parking violation.

These messages often include an official-looking notice offering a court date or a small fine (around $6), with a QR code for immediate payment to avoid penalties. They may mention your location or use fake case numbers to appear legitimate and create a sense of urgency.

If an unexpected message like this sparks strong emotions and demands urgency, treat it as a potential scam. Report the message as spam and avoid responding, clicking links or scanning QR codes. If you think the claim may be real, contact the court or agency directly using trusted contact information.


Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.


Share this news!

Mill Stream Grange Visits School

Kindergartners Start Farming

Recently, Mill Stream Grange members Jill Sampson, Lisa Goucher, and Paula Hanley visited teacher Melanie Hall’s kindergarten class at Mt. Vernon Elementary School to share information about the Grange and farming.ย  Each child was given a new book titled “Farming” by Gail Gibbons, a coloring book on farming, and animal stickers. Jill read “Farming” to the students, then Lisa and Paula helped each of them to plant sunflower seeds, which were placed on the windowsill in the sun.ย ย 

Farming by Gail Gibbons is a popular nonfiction children’s book that uses clear, colorful illustrations and diagrams to explain the year-round work on a farm, from planting and harvesting crops to caring for animals and dealing with seasonal changes.ย An updated edition includes new safety equipment and procedures, making it an engaging and educational resource for young readers (ages 4-8) about agriculture, tractors, and where food comes from.ย It is available from Amazon.

What’s not to love about Jill’s apron? “Romaine Calm and Carrot On.”

Emergency Relief Fund:

โ€ฏSupporting Those Impacted by the Searsmont Lumber Mill Explosion

On May 15th, a devastating fire and explosion occurred at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine, after crews responded to a fire in one of the millโ€™s silos. The incident prompted a mass-casualty response involving multiple fire departments, first responders, emergency agencies, and hospitals across Maine. Firefighter Andrew Cross tragically lost his life, at least 11 individuals were injured, and several people remain in serious and critical condition following the explosion. 

Many individuals, families, firefighters, and first responders are now facing the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of this tragedy. Recovery from injuries, time away from work, travel for medical care, funeral expenses, and other unexpected hardships may place significant strain on those affected in the days and weeks ahead. 

The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation has launched this designated Emergency Relief Fund to support the confirmed individuals and familiesย impactedย by the Searsmont lumber mill explosion. This fund will help provide immediate financial relief during thisย difficult time.ย 

The Foundation is continuing to work directly with Town of Searsmont officials, local contacts, community representatives, and affected families throughout the campaign in a collaborative and unified effort to help confirm impacted individuals, coordinate support efforts, and ensure funds are distributed responsibly and transparently as additional information continues to emerge. 

As part of this effort, the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation will also provide up to an additional $1,000 in support for each confirmed individual directly impacted by this tragedy, including the family of firefighter Andrew Cross. 

100% of all donations made through this campaign will go directly toward supporting the confirmed individuals and families impacted by this tragedy.

Your Points Are Worth Money and Scammers Know It

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

Chances are youโ€™ve signed up for a rewards or loyalty program at some pointโ€”even if you rarely check your account. These are popular targets for this very reasonโ€”loyalty account owners donโ€™t tend to monitor their balances the way they might monitor financial accounts.  

Criminals hack into loyalty and rewards accounts through phishing messages, malware-infected sites that collect your data, and stealing username and password combinations. Once inside, they transfer the points or redeem them.

Protect your rewards by protecting your accounts with strong, unique passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Sign up for account alerts so youโ€™re notified of any changes or suspicious activity. And if something looks off, contact the loyalty program directly through your account or a phone number you know is legitimate.


Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.


Share this news!

Ocean View Grange Helps with Flags

Ridge Church Cemetery with flags placed for Memorial Day
Along with the local American Legion, several Grange members volunteered to help place American Flags on the Grave markers for veterans at the Ridge Church cemetery in St George, Maine.ย  This is a very moving and rewarding duty.

Shady Contractors Can Hammer Away at Your Wallet

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

Home repairs are inevitableโ€”whether from everyday wear and tear or unexpected damage. But when youโ€™re looking for help, the wrong contractor can make matters worse. Some promise quick, low-cost fixes, then deliver poor work, damage your property, or disappear before the job is done.

Be cautious of contractors who show up uninvited and say they can start work right away, pressure you to make quick decisions, or ask for cash up front. After severe weather, shady contractors may also push you to sign over insurance payments or take out loans for payment.

Always take time to review your options before agreeing to any work. Get at least three bids, check references and reviews, and read contracts carefully before signing. Donโ€™t agree to pay the full cost upfront. While a deposit may be required, it should not exceed a third of the total estimate.


Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.


Share this news!

Highland Lake Grange Places Flags

Submitted by Dave Gowen

On May 16, 2026, eight members of Highland Lake Grange placed American flags on veterans’ graves at Highland Lake Cemetery for Memorial Day. The Grange has been placing flags for over ten years. Grange markers (made by the members) were placed next to the graves of past members of the Grange.

Gift Cards Are for Gifts

Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

Gift cards are popular and convenient for consumersโ€”and for criminals who favor them as easy and hard-to-trace forms of payment.

They may claim the fastest way to fix an urgent financial problem is to go to a store, load a specific amount of money onto one or more gift cards (sometimes called electronic vouchers), and then share the activation numbers from the back of the card. No legitimate government agency or business will ever accept payment this way.

If you or someone you love has experienced this financial crime, turn the card over and call the issuer at the number provided; they may be able to freeze the card before some or all of the funds are drained. You should also report this crime to law enforcement to document what happened should there be a means of restitution down the road.

Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight backโ€”one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.


Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.


Share this news!

Mill Stream Grange Honors Vets

Grange Members with Flags
Mill Stream Grange members (l-r) Karen Locke, Kirsten Heck, Jill Sampson, Debbie Lavender, Allan Harville and Natalie Heck placed over 100 flags at three area cemeteries to honor Veterans, including severalย Revolutionary War soldiers.ย  Member Paul Lavender took the photo.

This is the sort of community service that brings Grangers together and demonstrates purpose. Congratulations and thanks to Mill Stream Grange #574!