Fairfield Residents Lose Thousands In Gift Card Scams: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two Fairfield residents recently fell victim to gift card scams, according to police.

The first incident was reported about 10:30 a.m. Sunday on Old Dam Road, police said. A resident attempted to find the Match.com customer service number on Google and called a fraudulent number by mistake, according to police, who said the resident was asked to verify their identity by purchasing Target gift cards at a nearby CVS and disclosing the card numbers. The victim bought two $500 gift cards, and also gave the scammer their credit card information, police said.

The second incident was a senior scam, in which a resident was asked to buy $6,500 in Target and Walmart gift cards, which they then provided to the scammer, according to police, who received a report of the scam 11:10 a.m. Monday on Jennings Road.

“The Fairfield Police Department reminds residents to use caution when giving any personal information over the phone,” police said. “If you initiate the phone call it is important to verify you have the correct phone number first. Never pay anyone over the phone with a gift card as this is a clear indication of a scam. Residents should also be weary when asked to provide credit card information to verify your identity as this is not a common method of verification.”

To report a scam to police, call 203-254-4800. For more information about scams, visit https://bit.ly/34zk6ML.