First Selectwoman Warns Fairfield Residents Of Text & Email Scam

FAIRFIELD, CT ? If you receive a text or email from Fairfield First Selectwoman Christine Vitale or other local officials seeking money, ignore it and delete it, Vitale warns residents.

"Several people have told me they've received messages from me via text and email asking for personal information," Vitale wrote in an email this week to constituents. "Please be aware that although messages may appear to be from me, the Town, other local officials or even trusted organizations like your school or church, they may be fraudulent."

If the messages ask for personal information, like Social Security numbers or banking details, they are definitely a suspicious.

Another red flag is if the messages seek gift cards for payment, or ask for wire transfers. Scammers often try to convince victims of an emergency that quickly requires some sort of payment.

"Please note that any requests for gift cards to support residents in need will come from an official Town of Fairfield email," Vitale said. "Always check the email address and remember that Town emails end in fairfieldct.org."

This week's warning comes after Fairfield police issued a similar alert after residents were conned out of more than $500,000 by scammers posing as federal agents.

"They send fake federal documents that appear legitimate, complete with seals, case numbers, and signatures, and convince victims to wire money or purchase gold to 'protect' their assets," police officials wrote. "In some cases, victims are instructed to hand over valuables in parking lots to someone providing a prearranged passcode."

Vitale said that Fairfield residents should remember:

• The Town will never ask for payment or personal information by text or email

• Do not respond to suspicious messages, click on links, or provide any personal or financial information

• If you receive a suspicious message, delete it immediately.

For more information on how to avoid scams and identity theft, click here.