Southington Police Send Out 'Virus Scam Letter' Warning

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington police are calling a bulk piece of mail sent to residents promoting coronavirus "benefits" a scam.

Police said they were tipped off to the mailer by the Southington Finance Department after it received a piece of mail from the post office marked as "Return to Sender - Not Deliverable as Addressed."

The mail in question had the header "COVID-19 RELIEF BENEFITS," and was addressed to an elderly Southington resident.

Police said the sender was listed as "Administrative Offices, Southington, CT."

"This letter was not mailed from the town, nor did the town grant permission for anyone to
use the town's name to mail the letter to residents," police said.

The letter contains an offer to apply for a loan with "Pinnacle Lending." Police said if the number is called, a representative will ask for personal information, such as the caller's name, a date of birth, an address, a social security number, and "security questions and answers" claiming personal information is necessary to determine a loan amount."

Southington police said a similar phishing scam took place in Canton.

Police said the Post Office indicated the letter appeared to be mailed from California and has turned seized letters over to the postal inspector for "further investigation."

The Post Office has advised residents who receive a similar letter to either return it to the Post Office or discard it.