Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) has seen a rise in impostors pretending to be government officials.
Scammers are calling people, making claims like there’s a warrant for their arrest, their identity was used to buy child pornography or launder money, or that the FBI needs their help to catch a thief. These criminals seek to get your money by wire transfer or crypto kiosks. Some even use the real names of FBI agents or sheriffs to appear legitimate when you search online.
Remember that government officials will never contact you unexpectedly to seek payment in any form. If you receive a contact like this, disengage, and if you’re worried there may be a problem, contact the agency at a number or web address you know to be legitimate.
Community Citizen Awards for the Richmond area, including Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Dresden, as well as Richmond, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Enterprise Grange Hall, 15 Alexander Reed Road, Richmond.
Citizens of these towns are invited to submit nominations to Enterprise, and we will make the final decision based on the applications and verify whether the candidates are willing to accept the awards. Except during the COVID years, we have presented the awards for over 20 years. We have tried different days and times and have found that Sunday afternoons work well for our area. Late enough for Sunday-morning church attendees and early enough for Sunday-evening service attendees. And usually, friends and families of the recipients are able to attend, and those attending are invited to share their stories of those receiving the award.
Light refreshments and fellowship follow. We usually end about 4:30. Community Citizen Awards are a National Grange program, and Grangers are not eligible to receive the award unless it is for a group, such as the Food Pantry, and the members are part of that group.
Enterprise is undergoing electrical updates in the hall, and it should be completed to showcase the improvements and how much brighter our meeting hall is now. We still have work to do on scraping and painting, but taking it one step at a time is getting the work done.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
You don’t have to be looking for love to be targeted by a relationship scam. Increasingly, perpetrators take the friendship route, building deep connections over time, starting by claiming they share your interests, experiences, or struggles.
They may initiate contact by commenting on your social media posts, reaching out through direct messages, or even sending what seems like a text sent by mistake. Over time, they earn your trust before asking for money or pitching an investment opportunity.
Because these relationships appear platonic, they can be harder to recognize. Red flags include pressure to move conversations to encrypted apps and eventually urgent requests for money or encouragement to invest in cryptocurrency.
Make it a habit to talk to a friend or family member when new relationships bloom. Together, you may be able to see signs of a scam that you couldn’t see alone.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
Tax season is stressful enough, and scammers take full advantage of that with IRS impostor schemes.
They reach out, claiming you owe back taxes and threaten legal action if you don’t pay immediately. These messages are designed to create panic and push you to act fast, often demanding payment by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency — all guaranteed signs of a scam.
Unless you’re already working with the IRS on a tax issue, the agency will generally not contact you, and if they do, it’s typically by mail first.
When in doubt, disengage and verify by contacting the IRS directly using a trusted number from an official letter or IRS.gov — never one provided in a suspicious message.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
Each year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads Identity Theft Awareness Week, a national initiative held in late January on how to avoid identity theft, recover if it happens, and spot these scams before they occur.
Identity theft is when your personal information is exposed; identify fraud is when someone uses that data to take over or open accounts, steal your tax refund, file fraudulent health insurance claims, and more. It can happen to anyone, but we can take steps to protect against it.
Monitoring your credit report is one of the best ways to spot errors or suspicious activity. You can get free credit reports from the main three credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com.
Freezing your credit is an effective way to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name, especially if you have no near term plans to apply for a loan or credit soon. Credit freezes are free, and you can freeze or unfreeze your credit directly through each agency.
Also, make sure you use strong and unique passwords for all accounts (a password manager makes this so much easier), use multi-factor authentication when it’s available, and shred sensitive documents – dumpster divers are still out there.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
As temperatures drop in many states, criminals are turning up the heat on their deceptive tactics. While utility scams happen year-round, scammers are especially active when customers rely on these essential services to stay warm and safe.
They pose as utility companies, claiming you’re behind on your bill, and threatening to cut off service unless you make an immediate payment. Their goal is to trigger panic. When fear takes over, it becomes harder to think clearly, and they hope we stay in that state of panic just long enough to push through a payment.
If you receive an unexpected call claiming your service will be shut off, hang up. Then contact your utility provider directly using the customer service number on a recent bill or by logging into your account online. In most cases, you’ll find everything is in good standing.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
With rising costs and economic uncertainty, many of us are looking to start the new year by taking more control of our finances and tackling lingering debt. But paying down what you owe takes time, discipline, and a clear plan—not quick fixes. Be cautious of offers that promise guaranteed results or fast debt elimination.
Scammers often target consumers with significant credit card debt, claiming they can negotiate with creditors to reduce what you owe. hThese operations typically charge hefty fees and deliver little—or no—help. Some even advise you to stop communicating with your creditors, which can make your situation worse.
If you or a loved one need help getting out of debt, turn to reputable organizations like the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org). They can offer real guidance without hidden fees or false guarantees.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
If your New Year’s resolutions include finding a new job, work-from-home opportunities may sound appealing. While many remote positions are legitimate, some aren’t what they appear to be. Criminals often pose as legitimate employers on job boards, social media, or send unsolicited texts, promising easy money, flexible hours, and a quick hiring process.
What they’re really after is personal information or our money by asking to pay upfront for “training,” purchase expensive equipment, or provide sensitive details—such as your Social Security number—as part of the application.
Be cautious of sudden, unusually high-paying opportunities that require little to no experience. Avoid sharing personal data until you’re certain the job offer is legitimate and take time to research the company by searching its name along with the words scam, complaint, or fraud. If you see concerns from other job seekers, consider it a clear red flag.
MaineHousing’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) are open and accepting applications for the 2025-2026 heating season. Apply online through the HEAP online application. Applications are accepted through May 29, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
HEAP helps eligible homeowners and renters with heating costs, emergency fuel delivery, and utility assistance. Weekly benefit payments have already begun.
Households facing an energy emergency should also contact their local community action agency.
A “community action agency” that may assist is your local Grange–some around the state participate in different ways. One common approach is to provide funds to local oil dealers to assist customers who are struggling.
South Sangerville Grange Challenge
As an example, South Sangerville Grange has challenged other Granges to participate by purchasing at least 100 gallons of fuel from a local dealer. You can reach South Sangerville Secretary Barbara Hatch by email to report your efforts or for more information.
by Maia Zewert, Editor Lincoln County News Submitted by Laurie McBurnie
It’s not often a teacher walks out of a student of the month assembly with an award, but such was the case at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22.
Kali Martin (right), a special education resource room teacher at Medomak Valley High School, accepts the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award from Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange Master Sharon Morton on Monday, Dec. 22. Members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson nominated Martin for the award, which she was presented during the student of the month assembly. (Paula Roberts photo)
In front of a gymnasium full of MVHS students, faculty, and staff, members of Willow Grange 366 in Jefferson surprised special education resource room teacher Kali Martin with the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award.
“I’m just completely blown away,” Martin said after the presentation. “I had no idea this was coming.”
Willow Grange member Paula Roberts introduced the award during the assembly, describing the recipient without initially naming them.
“This teacher saw a need in the Medomak community and acted on it to make a difference here at Medomak and beyond,” Roberts said. “And she has involved her students and the student body to show them, although community service can be hard work, it is extremely rewarding.”
Roberts also quoted MVHS Principal Linda Dolloff Pease, who said Martin “is appreciated and well-loved and plays a big role in the positive culture of the school.”
Members of Willow Grange No. 366 in Jefferson flank Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Kali Martin after a presentation at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on Monday, Dec. 22. The Willow Grange members nominated Martin for the award, which they surprised her with during a student of the month assembly. From left: Mary Jane McLoon, Deborah Willette, Sharon Morton, Kali Martin, Henry Morton, Knox Zaccadelli, Laurie McBurnie, and Paula Roberts. (Maia Zewert photo)
When she was revealed as the recipient of the Maine State Grange Educator of the Year Award, Martin immediately received a standing ovation from all in attendance. As Martin joined the presenters, Roberts listed Martin’s many accomplishments during her time working at the high school, including initiating a weekend backpack program to provide students in need with food, preparing food for the annual Empty Bowl Supper, and helping to start a free clothing program for students in need.
Martin also started the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, which serves over 300 families, Roberts said. She applied for and received a grant to purchase an industrial-sized freezer for the pantry and also collects food from Hannaford and arranges deliveries from Good Shepherd Food Pantry to keep it stocked.
“She has gone above and beyond her teaching duties,” Roberts said. “Kali has given unselfishly of her time and resources to support Medomak students and the community.”
In addition, Martin is involved with the school’s student council, participates in Treat Tuesdays, and “is known for her root beer floats for the entire staff,” Roberts said.
“Kali Martin has the biggest heart ever and it shows here in the many ways that Paula Roberts outlined in her presentation,” Pease said. “She is an advocate for young people in addition to being aware of staff needs and having a little fun!”
Maine State Grange Secretary and Willow Grange President Sharon Morton presented Martin with the award. In addition, Martin was presented a $100 donation from Maine State Grange Treasurer and Willow Grange Secretary Laurie McBurnie to support the food pantry.
“Having such a supportive administration and having the support of the community to keep the pantry going has just been such a huge blessing,” Martin said. “It’s just grown … and it helps our families get what they need.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Medomak Valley Soul Food Pantry, email Martin at kali_martin@rsu40.org.
