Money Tips and Resources

Welcome to the CA$H Maine Newsletter

How to Tell the Difference Between a
Legitimate Debt Collector and Scammers

Dealing with debt collection issues can be challenging—especially when you’re not sure if the person you’re being contacted by is legitimate or trying to scam you. Protect yourself by learning the warning signs of scams and what you can do in this blog by Courtney-Rose Dantus on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website.

Warning Signs of Debt Collection Scams

Withholds information from you
A debt collector must tell you information such as the name of the creditor, the amount owed, and that if you dispute the debt the debt collector will have to obtain verification of the debt.

Pressures you to pay by money transfer or prepaid card
Scammers like these payment methods because they may be untraceable, and it can be hard for you to get your money back.

Falsely threatens you with jail time or poses as a government official.

Says they will tell your family, friends, and employer
A debt collector is generally not allowed to tell other people about your debt without your permission.

You don’t recognize the debt that the person claims you owe money for

Asks you for sensitive personal financial information
Such as your bank account, routing numbers, or Social Security numbers.

Calls you at inconvenient times

Learn How to Protect Yourself

Ask for a callback number
If you’re uncomfortable providing any information, you can request the caller’s name, company name, street address, and a callback number.

Make sure you have been given information about the debt before you pay

Contact your original creditor

Check your credit report for the account in question
You are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major consumer reporting companies. To get your free credit report authorized by law, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228.

Understand your rights
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits debt collectors from engaging in a variety of practices, such as misrepresenting the debt, falsely claiming to be a lawyer, or using obscene or profane language when trying to collect a debt.

Submit a complaint
If you have received a suspicious call or think you’ve been the victim of a debt collection scam, you can submit a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or you can contact your state Attorney General’s office .

To learn more about the warning signs of debt collection scams and how to protect yourself read the full blog here.

From Getting Help for a Rainy Day to Helping Others at
Midcoast CA$H

Donna Patrick saw a flyer for the Rainy Day Savings Account matched savings program on the bulletin board at school. Yet it was a year before she got up the nerve to talk to New Ventures Maine and apply for an account. Donna says, “I was afraid there would be strings attached and hoops to jump through.”

Once connected, she found the program easy to use. “New Ventures Maine helped me save a small amount of money each month and matched it dollar for dollar.” Rainy Day Savings proved to be an accurate description when Donna’s roof leaked. “When it started raining inside my house, my matched savings helped replace the roof. It kept me warm and dry.”

In the fall of 2015 Donna learned about a job posting with Midcoast CA$H Coalition. She was hired part-time to connect people at tax sites with resources to improve financial stability. “What better way to pay it forward than to help others like New Ventures helped me,” Donna says. This tax season will be Donna’s fourth year helping others at Midcoast CA$H tax sites.

211 Maine

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services.

211 Maine is based in Maine and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specialists are trained and friendly; they know we all need help sometimes.

211 can be reached via phone, text, email, or by searching the online database and information is provided local to you, all they ask is your zip code.

211 is the resource where people can go when they don’t know where else to go, whether it’s financial assistance, domestic violence, addiction treatment, health care, mental health, or heating and utilities assistance, specialists will talk to you to find out what you need and walk you through all the options to find the right service or program for you. 211 also has season information, like where your local CA$H Coalition is and how to get your taxes done for free by IRS-certified volunteers throughout the State.

Voting 2018

Affordable healthcare and prescription drugs, ending government debt, job creation, economic growth, and increased prosperity are issues you might hear about in this year’s election from the candidates. Your vote can help decide which issues are priorities. By voting you can help make important changes in the way your town, state, and country are run.

Who can vote? You can vote in Maine if you are a citizen of the United States, a resident of Maine, and are age 18 or older. You must first register to vote.

What will I be voting for? On Election Day Maine voters will choose: Governor of Maine, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, State Senator, State Representative, officials for county offices, and officials for local offices in some towns. On the ballot is one initiative where voters will choose whether to pass a new law as well as four bond questions to decide if the state can borrow money to pay for certain projects. There are local issues in some towns.

When is Election Day? Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Or stop by your local town office during business hours any time before Election Day.

Learn more about the voting process, information about the candidates for office, the citizen initiatives, the bond issues, and more in this guide from the League of Women Voters of Maine. The information in this guide does not endorse or support any candidate, political party, or positions on a ballot question.

CA$H Maine is a statewide collaboration of ten coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability. Since 2003, we have offered free tax preparation to qualified filers during tax season and educated hard-working families and individuals about programs in the community that can increase their income, reduce debt, and build savings. CA$H Maine is a year-round resource, providing outreach and education about ways you can make the most of your money.

To find a coalition near you click here.

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