Anti‑Scam Task Force reports outreach and translation work; police and banks enrolled to help victims

Members of Norwood’s Anti‑Scam Task Force briefed the Board of Selectmen on March 25 about outreach, translated materials and coordination with police and banks to reduce financial losses from fraud.

Kathleen Rooney, chair of the task force, said the committee began in June 2022 to focus on preventing scams targeting seniors and other residents. The group produced a brochure and a logo, distributed a postcard during the holidays, produced posters for local retailers that sell gift cards and translated the brochure into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole and Arabic. The task force has posted resources on the town website and scheduled public education events (a Scams 101 presentation at Morrill Memorial Library and sessions at the senior center); it also plans a focused presentation on cryptocurrency and Bitcoin fraud.

The task force described its partnerships with local banks and the police department to both prevent and respond to scams. Task force presenters said bank staff have intervened to halt suspect large withdrawals and that the Norwood Police have helped people who suspected romance or impersonation scams confirm fraudulent approaches. Detective Sinclair (Norwood Police) and a local bank representative were listed as collaborators in the task force presentations.

Data and concerns: the presenters cited national and regional data showing that reports of scams are broadly steady while total losses continue to rise; they explained that impostor scams remain common (roughly one in five people are targeted nationally) and that losses can be severe — the task force cited a local case of a roughly $300,000 loss to an individual. The task force has worked with law enforcement contacts and international partners to pursue recovery when feasible.

Public guidance and next steps: the task force urged residents to use the town web page and a dedicated task force email for information, to report active scams to the police non‑emergency line, and to use reporting tools on phone messages (report junk/report scam). Upcoming events include a Scams 101 session at Wall Memorial Library and senior‑center presentations; the task force also continues bank outreach and is making printed materials available at public locations.

The presenters asked the Selectmen to endorse continued outreach and noted that stigma (embarrassment after being cheated) is a major obstacle to reporting and recovery; the task force urged public discussion to lower that stigma so victims come forward earlier.