Month: August 2022

Trumbull Police Warn On Scams

The Trumbull Police Department would like to warn the public about a recent increase of scams
targeting senior citizens. Even though the police may be made aware of these types of cases,
they can be difficult to investigate because many times the suspects are in another country or
quickly leave the scene where very little suspect information is available. Also, due to
the complexity of these cases, the victims most likely will not get their money or valuables
back.

There are numerous types of scams, and a few are described as follows:

  • The caller claimed to be a family member that has an illness or was arrested. This caller
    will put urgency into helping them and tell the victim not to contact anyone, especially
    the police.
  • The caller may claim to be a law enforcement official that has custody of the victim’s
    family member and would demand bail or funds for their release.
  • The caller may claim to be law enforcement stating that the victim’s Social Security
    Number or Bank Accounts have been “compromised.” The caller will ask personal
    information to “verify” the identity of the person they are calling, getting the victim’s
    information including Social Security and bank account numbers.

  • Random emails or texts with an urgent message are sent stating that one’s Social
    Security number, bank account, or any other personal accounts have been
    “compromised” and needs immediate attention.
  • Distraction scams where the suspect(s) “randomly” show up at the home of elderly
    residents pretending to be from a utility company, and then try to lure their way into
    the house. Once inside, one suspect will distract the victim, while another suspect will
    steal valuables.

If you receive a call you believe to be a scam:

  • Resist the urge to act immediately no matter how dramatic the story is.
  • Verify the caller’s identity. Ask questions that a stranger would not be able to answer.
    Check with a family member to see if the information is true.
  • Do not send cash, gift cards, or conduct money transfers. Once the scammer gets the
    money, it’s gone!
  • Do not give personal or bank account information by email, over the phone, or by
    logging into bank accounts as directed by the caller.
  • Do not respond to random calls, emails, or text messages that contact you for personal
    information. Find the contact information on your own to verify the legitimacy of any
    random solicitation.

Please keep the following in mind:

  • Do not let strangers into your home that have arrived unannounced and request access
    inside.
  • Police agencies do not contact families for bail money.

This press release is made possible by:

SUV Safety

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, called for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) action to address child deaths due to frontovers. Recent demonstrations by investigative reporters have shown blind zones in front of some cars to be as big as 16 feet, obstructing children from view and putting them at risk of being run over.

“I am extremely troubled that large blind zones in front of SUVs are reportedly causing senseless deaths of children. In such instances, called ‘frontovers,’ tragedy strikes because a child in front of the car is not visible above the car’s hood and no warning occurs,” wrote Blumenthal to NHTSA Administrator Dr. Stephen Cliff. “I am sure you agree that even one child’s death is one too many. I write to ask for an update on steps by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to collect and make public relevant data and stop these preventable frontover tragedies.”

While Congress mandated in 2007 that NHTSA issue a rule to establish rear visibility standards in response to countless backover accidents, no such front visibility standards currently exist. Front visibility technology such as cameras and sensors are offered by some manufacturers, but usually only on expensive, upgraded models or for an additional fee.

“Safety is not – and should never be – a premium feature only available to those who can afford it; it should be the default,” Blumenthal continued.

To better understand the scope of the problem and inform comprehensive solutions, Blumenthal called on NHTSA to publish up-to-date non-traffic incident data, which these preventable frontover tragedies would fall under, and inquired about steps the agency is taking to protect children and parents. NHTSA last published its non-traffic surveillance data summary in 2018, which only covered incidents through 2015. More comprehensive data was last published in 2015, but only covered incidents through 2011.

“This delay in more than a decade in releasing data is simply unacceptable. Recent, updated data is critical to understanding the true scope of frontovers and the steps that can be taken to prevent these unnecessary and tragic incidents,” Blumenthal emphasized, pressing the agency to outline the steps it has taken to reduce and prevent frontovers, and any additional authorities it would need to address this issue.

This press release was made possible by:

Bridgeport News: Apartment Building Fire

Video Report-
2022-08-08@9:12pm–#Bridgeport CT– #cttraffic– Firefighters were called for smoke on the third floor at 1430 Fairfield Avenue. When firefighters first arrived they found heavy smoke coming from the 3rd floor. Within minutes they reported a working fire with heavy fire showing from the left side of the building. Firefighters made sure everyone made it out of the building and began battling the fire. Within 45 minutes they had the bulk of the fire knocked down. I saw one firefighter being checked out by EMS for heat fatigue. Bridgeport Firefighters have been working without a contract for TWO YEARS now. Come on Joe, you can do better !!

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