New Canaan Police Chief Offers Tips To Help Residents Avoid Email Scams

NEW CANAAN, CT — Chief of Police John DiFederico has provided a list of tips to help New Canaan residents avoid email scams.

In a news release Monday, DiFederico said New Canaan has seen a recent increase in email phishing scams targeting the community, often impersonating town departments such as Planning and Zoning.

According to DiFederico, these scams aim to steal money, personal information, financial details or install malware on your devices.

"Your safety and security are our top priorities," DiFederico said in a news release, "so we're sharing these tips to help you stay protected."

The following list of key ways to avoid email phishing scams was provided this week by DiFederico and shared to the town website:

1. Verify the Source: Always check the sender's email address or phone number. Official town emails typically end in "@newcanaanct.gov" or similar verified domains. If in doubt, do not respond—call the department directly using a phone number from the official Town website (newcanaan.info).
2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Contacts: Scammers often use urgent language like "immediate action required" or threats of fines/penalties to pressure you. Legitimate Town departments rarely request sensitive information (e.g., Social Security numbers, bank details) via email, text or unsolicited calls.
3. Avoid Clicking Links or Attachments: Hover over links to see the real URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious (e.g., misspelled or unfamiliar domain), don't click. Download attachments only from trusted sources.
4. Use Strong Security Practices: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email and online accounts. Keep your antivirus software up to date, and use secure, unique passwords for different sites.
5. Educate Yourself on Red Flags: Watch for poor grammar, generic greetings (e.g., "Dear Resident" instead of your name), or requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—these are almost always scams.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a potential phishing attempt, report it to us at Police headquarters 203-594-3500.

"By staying vigilant, we can protect our community from these threats," DiFederico said. "If you believe you've been a victim of a scam, contact us immediately for assistance. Together, let's keep New Canaan safe."