Community Corner

How to Spot a Scammer

UI is holding a "fashion show" in the Trumbull Mall to teach residents how to avoid scammers.

Can you spot a real UI or a gas company worker?

Try your luck Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Westfield Trumbull Mall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in the Lord & Taylor Court.

UI is working with People’s United Bank, the Bridgeport Fairfield, Stratford and Trumbull police departments, Westfield Trumbull Mall and Comfort Keepers.

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"The program is designed to educate the public on how to identify real municipal and private-sector workers from scam artists wearing a fake disguises. All models for this event will be real employees from local police and fire departments, electric, natural gas and water companies," UI officials said.

"The models will wear their official uniforms and any other certified accessories during the fashion show. Identifying features that validate authenticity of each uniform will be pointed out.

Find out what's happening in Trumbullwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“In recent months UI has seen a range of different scams targeted at our customers,” said John Prete, chief operating officer of UI electric operations and senior vice president of technical services. “Engaging and informing customers on this topic is important. In addition, giving them the tools to recognize scam artists is beneficial to everyone.”

Fred Estrella, a SCG service technician, and Tony Nieves, a UI service technician, will model for UIL’s operating electric and natural gas companies.

The program’s goal is to teach area residents how to recognize potential scams and remain safe in their homes and businesses.

“The uniform fashion show is about creating awareness and giving people the information they need to identify a SCG employee or any other municipal and private sector worker,” said Bob Allessio, senior vice president of Connecticut gas operations.


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