Norwalk Police Warn Residents Of Rising Elder Fraud: PD

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Police Department has provided a list of tips and information to help residents stay informed about "the growing threat of elder fraud."

In a Facebook post Friday, the department provided a list of common schemes to watch out for, as well as ways residents can protect themselves and their family.

Common Schemes to Watch For

• Grandparent Scams: Criminals pose as a grandchild or relative in immediate financial trouble.
• Government Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be government employees and threaten arrest if money isn't paid.
• Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters claim your computer is hacked to gain access to your accounts.
• Romance Scams: Criminals build fake relationships on social media to exploit victims for money.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Resist the Pressure: Scammers create a false sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Stop and think.
• Keep Info Private: Never provide personally identifiable information or wire money to someone you've only met online.
• Verify Requests: Always verify email or phone requests for money, even if they seem to come from someone you know.
• Stay Secure: Ensure your computer's anti-virus software is up to date and never click on suspicious links or attachments.
• Report It: If you or someone you know is a victim, please take action:
  • File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
  • Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) FRAUD-11.

"Let's work together to keep Norwalk safe," police wrote on Facebook. "Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbors."