Dominique Johnson

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has successfully launched a new streamlined and user-friendly experience for callers with an upgraded phone system. 
The Benefits Center phone number has not changed.  Customers still contact DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). ​ 

The new system includes: 

• A simplified phone menu designed to help customers reach the right service
• A self-service experience for checking case status and benefit information 

Customers who enter their Client ID when calling will benefit from a customized service and be routed to the correct call queue. Additionally, for those who prefer to self-serve, the system now allows them to: 

• Check if DSS has received their documents and when they were reviewed
• View their case status and, if active, access benefit details 

Customers now have access to call-back options, allowing them to: 

• Save their place in line, or
• Schedule a call at a time that works best for them 

The Connecticut Intelligence Center, a law enforcement partnership within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, is warning about a dramatic increase in financial scams targeting the elderly in Connecticut and the nation.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints in 2024, with losses reported at $16.6 billion, a 388% increase from 2023. In 2024 “false pretense” scams cost an estimated $31.9 million to Connecticut victims, most of whom were 65 or older, according to the 2024 Crime in Connecticut Report.

What to Watch Out For

• High pressure, urgent timeline (“you must send money now”).
• Request to pay with gift cards, wire transfer, prepaid cards, personal checks or cryptocurrency.
• Caller says you must not contact family or police.
• Caller ID spoofing (it may show a local number or government agency but is fake).
• Unwilling to meet in person or hesitation to identify themselves with official credentials.

What to Do if You Believe You Are a Victim

• Contact the local police to report the incident.
• Do not transfer money and do not give any payment information.
• Do not give any personal information or confirm/repeat social security numbers, birthdates, bank information or account numbers.
• Verify by calling the family member with a known number not one provided by the caller.
• If you have already made a payment contact your bank or the payment service immediately

Where to Go for Help

• National Elder Fraud Hot Line- 1-833-372-8311
• Elder Fraud- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• File a Suspicious Activity Report with CTIC or download the “CT SAFE” application on your phone.

The 4th Annual Holiday Extravaganza in Norwalk will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 4 PM to 8 PM at 50 Washington Street! This event has plenty of family friendly activities to help get you into the holiday spirit: 

• The official Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Meet-and-greets with holiday characters
• An outdoor marketplace with over 25 local vendors for holiday shopping
• Live performances by the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, Roton Middle School Choir
• Carousel rides, a trackless train, stilt walkers, and goat petting!

The holiday extravaganza is free to attend. If you have any questions, please check out the flyer below. 

The Westport Fire Department is partnering with  with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for the 3^rd annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive.

Donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snow suits will be accepted through November 30th at the following locations:

• Westport Fire Headquarters: 515 Post Road East
• Westport Senior Center: 21 Imperial Avenue
• Westport Town Hall: 110 Myrtle Avenue
• Coleytown Elementary School: 65 Easton Road
• Long Lots Elementary School: 13 Hyde Lane
• Kings Highway Elementary School: 125 Post Road West

Click here to learn more.