The Boothbay Harbor Police Department received several complaints on January 29 about calls from people claiming to be from Central Maine Power.

The scammer informs the person his or her account is overdue by $1,200 and that they require immediate payment or the power will be shut off.

Lorie Demers, local business owner of Mama D's Cafe, got such a call this morning around 11 a.m.

“Scared the heck out of me. They were very forceful, and spoke with a strong accent,” Demers said. “We went round and round for over 20 minutes. The person on the other end said they didn't want my power shut off, and I asked if $300 would be sufficient.”

“They said yes after putting me on hold, and suggested I wire the money through Rite Aid. I thought something was fishy. I asked to speak with a manager. Naturally, they were 'away from their desk right now.'”

Demers then hung up and called CMP directly. It was then she realized she had almost been the victim of a scam.

“My stomach's still in knots,” Demers said. “It was horrible.”

Lincoln County Communications advises people who get these calls to not give out any personal information. Hang up and call CMP directly at 1-800-750-4000, or the local police department.