Maine Wildlife Officials Warn of Online Hunting Permit Fraud

Maine wildlife officials are asking residents to be aware of phony websites that lure customers into phishing scams with false promises of hunting licenses.

The state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says residents should make sure they only attempt to buy sporting licenses and registrations from the Maine.gov website.

The department says other websites might direct residents to services that aren't required, provide false information or charge customers for unnecessary services. Some such websites also collect personal information in phishing schemes.

Wildlife commissioner Chandler Woodcock says Maine.gov handles about 350,000 transactions annually. Hunting licenses have increased every year for five years.