Key Scams to Be Aware Of in Our Area

Here are scam types and specific cases that are active locally or are especially relevant:

1. Utility / Solicitor Impostors (Door-to-door Scams)

   • In Fairfield, there has been an increase in people posing as utility workers or solicitors. CBS News

   • These impostors may show up at homes unannounced, claiming to check or repair something, or offering some service. They often lack proper identification or permits. CBS News

   • The city of Fairfield has a “Solicitor Permit Program.” Solicitors must have permits. If someone at your door cannot show valid city ID or a permit, residents are advised to refuse entry and/or call police. CBS News+1

2. Social Media “Emotional / Tragedy” Posts That Turn Into Scams

   • There are trending scams where someone posts a very emotional or dramatic local story (missing persons, accidents, emergencies), to prompt people to share. CT Insider

   • Once the post has gone viral, the scammer edits it (or adds links) so it becomes a fundraiser, fake donation request, malware link, etc. Comments often disabled; source unclear or unverifiable. CT Insider

3. Phishing / Fake Invoice Scams Tied to Government or Municipal Services

   • In San Francisco and elsewhere, people applying for permits have received fake invoices purporting to be from planning commissions or city departments. The scammers demand payments for “approvals” or “permit application” fees. These are fraudulent. San Francisco Chronicle

   • Also, multistate DMV text scams: texts claiming you owe tolls or fines, threatening serious consequences. A common feature is urgency and impersonation. TIME

4. General Imposter & Government‑Official Scams

   • Messages (emails, calls, texts) pretending to be from government agencies (Treasury, SSA, DMV, etc.) asking for money, threatening legal action, or requesting personal / financial information. These are very common nationwide. Office of Inspector General+2Consumer Advice+2

   • Key red flags: unsolicited communication, pressure to act quickly, requests for gift cards / unusual payment methods, or requests to share sensitive data.

   
   

Key Scams to Be Aware Of in Our Area

Why These Scams Work

• Trust in Authority: When someone claims to be from a government agency, utility company, or official department, many people assume legitimacy.

• Emotional Leverage: Scams that use emotional stories exploit empathy (“If I don’t help, something bad will happen”).

• Urgency and Fear: Threats of fines, legal action, license suspension, etc., push people to act without verifying.

• Lack of verification channels: If someone doesn’t know exactly how to verify a source (call a known number, check IDs, etc.), the scammer’s story can carry weight.

Tips / Safety Points to Include in a Community Notice

Here are useful suggestions (some you might not think to include) to help the notice be practical and help people detect or avoid these scams:

• Always ask for ID: If someone says they are a utility worker, city employee, or solicitor, ask them to show official identification, badge, or permit. If possible, call the utility company or city department directly (using the number from your bill or official website) to verify they sent someone.

• Check for permits: Remind people of local solicitor/permits rules (like Fairfield’s Solicitor Permit Program). If a solicitor can’t show a permit, they have no right to be soliciting door‑to‑door.

• Don’t share or click first: For social media, don’t share posts that are dramatic / emotional / have no source or contact info. Pause and check: is it from a known news outlet or official agency? Are contact details given? Is it too vague?

• Watch for “urgent payment” demands: Be skeptical of any notice of fines or fees that demand payment immediately, especially via methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or “click this link now.”

• Verify with the agency: If you receive something purporting to be from the DMV / city planning / utilities, verify via the official website or phone number. Don’t use contact info in the suspicious message.

• Report suspicious activity: Provide local phone numbers for police / consumer protection to report impostors, suspicious solicitors, or scam posts. Encourage people to share through official channels rather than forwarding unverified content.

• Protect vulnerable groups: Older adults are often targeted. Encourage families or neighbors to check in with them, help them verify things, or accompany them when dealing with strangers at the door.

Key Scams to Be Aware Of in Our Area