2 Accused Of Running Thermostat Rebate Scam In Fairfield: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two New York men were arrested last month by Fairfield police, following an investigation into package thefts and an alleged thermostat rebate scam, according to authorities.

Fairfield police said officers responded to the area of James and Pratt streets one afternoon in early March on a report of two individuals removing packages from residential properties. Officers located a vehicle believed to be involved and identified the occupants as 24-year-old Teon Thomas of Rochester, NY, and 23-year-old Dawud Gause-Seignious of Wyandanch, NY.

According to Fairfield Police Sgt. Jenna Wellington, the investigation determined the men were involved in a scheme in which fake names were used to order energy-efficient thermostats through a rebate program and have them delivered to residential addresses in Fairfield. The suspects would then retrieve the packages from the properties without the homeowners’ permission.

"Officers recovered seven packages containing a total of fourteen Google Nest thermostats, with an estimated value of approximately $3,900," Wellington told Patch in a statement. "The investigation revealed that the rebate program is
intended for residents to install the devices at their homes, and misuse of the program results in financial loss to the utility provider."

Thomas was charged with third-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, criminal impersonation and third-degree criminal trespass. Gause-Seignious was charged with third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny. Both men were released on a promise to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on May 5.

"The Fairfield Police Department reminds residents to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods," Wellington said. "If you receive a package that you did not order and does not belong to anyone in your household, you should mark it return to sender or contact the delivery carrier to have it retrieved."