The Town of Westport has recently seen an increase in email phishing scams targeting our community, often impersonating Town departments such as Planning and Zoning. These scams aim to steal money, personal information, financial details, or install malware on your devices. Your safety and security are our top priorities, so we're sharing these tips to help you stay protected.

Key Ways to Avoid Email Phishing Scams:

• Verify the Source: Always check the sender's email address or phone number. Official town emails typically end in "@westportct.gov" or similar verified domains. If in doubt, do not respond - call the department directly using a phone number from the official Town of Westport website (Town of Westport Departments).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it to the Westport Police Department 203-341-6000.

Remember, if you didn’t expect it, you should be cautious about it. By staying vigilant, we can protect our community from these threats. If you believe you've been a victim of a scam, contact us immediately for assistance. Together, let's keep Westport safe.