Beware: Fake Oyster Festival Vendor Scam

A fraudster is pretending to be the Norwalk Oyster Festival and has tricked former vendors into sending money. The scam started before last year’s event and is still going on with a fake social‑media ad. The fraudster used real vendor names and the correct festival details to look legitimate. The scam involves a fake email address: vendoreventshow@gmail. com. All real festival emails come from @seaport. org. The fraudster asks for booth fees through a digital wallet or an odd email address. If you send money that way, it is almost impossible to get it back. The fraudster also tries to pressure you. He says you must act fast and pays a booth fee right away. A real organizer would give you plenty of time to read the rules and confirm details.The Norwalk Seaport Association is working with local police and the city health department to stop this fraud. They want you to check the official website: https://www. seaport. org/norwalk-oyster-festival. Call (203) 838‑9444 to verify before you send any money. If something feels off, do your homework. Search for the event online. Read reviews and check that the contact information matches what the association uses. If you can’t find anything, it’s a red flag. Don’t let intimidation scare you. A legitimate vendor will give you clear answers and not rush you into paying. Remember: a phone call can save your money. A real festival will answer the official number and confirm everything in person.