Wallingford Police Detective Honored For Helping Recover Funds Stolen In Phone Scam

Finex Credit Union recognized the detective for his efforts that helped three members recover funds that were stolen in a phone scam.

By Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff

May 26, 2026 2:31 pm EDT

Wallingford Police Detective Sean Houlihan was recently honored by Finex Credit Union for helping three Finex members recover more than $3,000 stolen in a phone scam. (Sunny Nariyani / Finex Credit Union)

WALLINGFORD, CT — Finex Credit Union recently recognized Wallingford Police Detective Sean Houlihan for his investigative work that helped three Finex members recover more than $3,000 that was stolen in a phone scam.

To honor Houlihan’s efforts and support local law enforcement, Finex Credit Union made a $500 donation to the Wallingford Police Benevolent Association.

The recognition also serves as an “opportunity to remind members and the community to stay alert as phone scams involving banks, credit unions, and fraud impersonation continue to grow more sophisticated,” according to a news release.

“Detective Houlihan’s work made a real difference for our members, and we are grateful for his commitment and follow-through,” said Mary Sullivan, who leads business and community development for Finex Credit Union. “Fraud prevention takes a strong partnership between financial institutions, law enforcement, and the community. This was a great example of that partnership in action.”

Finex Credit Union also acknowledged the work of its internal fraud team, including Loren Ramos, Fraud Representative, who supported the investigation by providing information that helped move the case forward, according to the news release.

“As part of its ongoing fraud education efforts, Finex reminds members to never share one-time passcodes, verification codes, online banking credentials, debit card information, or account access information with anyone who calls, texts, or emails unexpectedly,” the news release states. “Finex will never unexpectedly ask members to share this information.”

Pictured above, from left to right: Officer Hunter Selvaggi, Wallingford Police Department; Officer Irving Sherman, Wallingford Police Department; Detective Lieutenant Bill Merriam, Wallingford Police Department; Detective Sean Houlihan, Wallingford Police Department; Loren Ramos, Fraud Representative, Finex Credit Union; Bill Weingartner, COO, Finex Credit Union; Mary Sullivan, Director of Business Development, Finex Credit Union; and Detective Mike Fraenza, Wallingford Police Department.