Warning Issued Over Scams Targeting The Elderly In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police have recently received reports of scams targeting the elderly by telephone, text and email, prompting the department and town officials to issue a warning to older residents to be wary of requests for personal or banking information.

"Scammers have many creative ways to solicit banking and/or social security information," wrote First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick in a recent Town Update. "Please make sure to never give bank account or social security numbers to anyone who contacts you via email or text."

Fairfield police warn that scammers have been known to "claim to be the elderly person’s grandson/granddaughter and will inform them that they have been arrested overseas or while on vacation and are in need of funds for bail."

Such scammers will ask the elderly person to withdraw a set amount of money from their bank account, and then will give the victim a place for pickup. Additionally, scammers have also requested the victim buy gift cards and reply to them with the account number.

"And we have seen a recent case where someone came to the home to pick up the money," authorities said.

Police departments will never ask for bail payments, which are done in person and not over the phone, in the form of gift cards.

"If there is ever doubt, please contact the Fairfield Police at (203) 254-4800 for advice," authorities said. "Our officers are committed to protecting our elderly citizens and will prosecute those responsible for these scams to the fullest extent of the law."

From the Town Update:

Have you been the victim of fraud? Received a message demanding immediate payment and aren’t sure if it’s legitimate? Have you or your loved one been the victim of abuse or neglect? Do you need help accessing benefits or assistance? If so, contact the Elder Justice Hotline at 1-860-808-5555 and staff can connect you to agencies who are available to help.

The hotline will be staffed by the Attorney General’s Office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

The Elder Justice Hotline is a new resource intended to connect individuals seeking information to the appropriate state agencies. Additional information on how to report elder abuse can be found at Social Work Services.

To file a consumer-related complaint directly with the Attorney General’s Office, please use the link below or call the Elder Justice Hotline at 1-860-808-5555 for further assistance.

You can find out more information and sign up for scam alerts on the Federal Trade Commission website.