Shelton police department plans anti-scammer sessions for community

SHELTON — Police are stepping up efforts to educate residents and businesses about common scams and how to avoid being a victim.

The department’s Crime Prevention Division, under the direction of Officer John Staples, will soon be holding information sessions on scams and tips to avoid being scammed as these incidents continue to happen within the community.

“These incidents are steadily ongoing,” Lt. Robert Kozlowsky said. “Educating people about the dangers is the key. Anytime someone asks for gift cards or money to be wired to pay, it is an automatic red flag. No companies take payment that way. And do not give out personal information.”

Chief Shawn Sequeira said complaints of individuals arriving at homes claiming to be utility company employees are also on the rise. Sequeira said any time someone feels uncomfortable or uncertain about the situation, they should contact authorities.

“When in doubt, call the police,” he said.

Kozlowsky said that the scammers’ goal is to put pressure on the person, forcing them to panic and make a split-second decision.

“We ask people to take a minute, think, and if you have any concerns, please call police,” Kozlowsky added.

Sequeira said many victims feel ashamed that they fell for the scam and do not report the incident. When officers speak to the public on these topics, he said, many people say that happened to them but they failed to report it because they were embarrassed, he said.

In 2020, the department investigated 38 such reports. Through September of this year, that number sits at 24.

Although popular perception is that these incidents target senior citizens, Sequeira said people of all ages, and even businesses can be targets.

“Some businesses have been approached and told if they do not pay, their power would be shut off,” he said. “For younger people, scammers now call with schemes on student loan forgiveness.”

One of the latest impersonation scams targets nurses and other health care practitioners. In this scam, a nurse is contacted via email, phone, postal mail, or text message by someone claiming to be with the medical board from the nurse’s state. The scammer informs the victims that their medical licenses have been suspended and demands immediate payment to prevent this from happening.

The department has not scheduled the information sessions yet, but details should be coming soon, Sequeira said.

Information about avoiding falling victim to scams is available at the state Department of Consumer Protection website.