Scammer is trying to defraud Norwalk Oyster Festival vendors, Better Business Bureau says

March 21, 2026 - 03:28

The Better Business Bureau is issuing an urgent alert to businesses after confirming a scammer is impersonating the organizers of the famed Norwalk Oyster Festival. According to the bureau, the fraudster is directly targeting previous vendors of the popular Connecticut event in an attempt to steal money and sensitive financial information.

The imposter has been posing as a representative of the Norwalk Seaport Association, the legitimate non-profit organization that produces the annual festival. Officials report the scammer's approach has appeared highly credible to vendors, leveraging details about the event to build false trust. The fraudulent communications are aimed at soliciting payments or securing contracts under false pretenses.

Jerry Toni, Executive Director of the Norwalk Seaport Association, emphasized that his organization is not soliciting vendors through these channels. Festival organizers are urging all businesses, especially past participants, to exercise extreme caution. They recommend verifying the identity of anyone making contact by calling the association directly through its official, publicly listed phone number before engaging in any business transaction or sharing personal details.

Authorities advise vendors to be wary of unsolicited emails or calls requesting payment or sensitive data, even if the sender seems familiar with the festival's operations. This incident serves as a critical reminder for all businesses to independently confirm the authenticity of financial solicitations, especially those tied to major community events.