CAMDEN – Camden Police have identified a suspect who they say allegedly stole credit card numbers and charged items on the credit card in Southern Maine.

Two Camden residents reported to police that approximately $2,000 was charged on their cards at a variety of businesses in Portland and Scarborough, according to Detective Curt Andrick.

Andrick said that the credit cards are not being stolen, only the numbers, and then duplicate cards are being produced. Police believe the credit card information may have been obtained during credit card security breaches.

Camden police are also investigating a sweepstake scam where a Camden resident wired money after receiving a telephone call about winning a new car. The scam involved a substantial amount of money.

Andrick reminds the public that the most legitimate businesses do not request that money be wired to complete or conduct a financial transaction.

Additionally, with today’s sophisticated technology, caller id is also susceptible to fraud. Scammers can create display numbers to look familiar from a specific location so people will respond to their phone calls.

If you think you have been targeted in these scams, you should contact the Camden Police at 236-3030.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com