Out here on Block Island, most of us still know the sound of a genuine knock on the door better than we know the tone of a suspicious email. That makes it all the more jarring that the Town of New Shoreham has had to issue a formal warning to residents about an email scam making the rounds and targeting people right here in our own small community.
Details released by the town are limited so far, but the message is clear: an email scam is circulating that appears to be aimed at New Shoreham residents, and town officials want people to be on alert. As a reporter who lives here on the island and writes for neighbors rather than visitors, I know how much trust we place in the people and institutions around us. Block Island is the kind of place where a lot of business still gets done face to face, over the phone, or with a handshake at the ferry landing. That closeness is part of what makes a scam like this especially unsettling. It does not just prey on carelessness. It preys on the very trust that holds a small town together.
The Town of New Shoreham has not released extensive specifics about how the scam operates or who may be behind it, but the warning itself is a signal that officials have seen enough reports, or enough risk, to urge caution publicly. That is worth taking seriously, even without every detail in hand.
What it means for residents
For now, the most important thing islanders can do is slow down before clicking links, replying to unexpected emails, or sharing any personal or financial information electronically, even if a message appears to come from a familiar name, a town department, or a local organization. Scammers often rely on urgency and official-sounding language to get people to act before they think.
If you receive an email that seems off, whether it asks for payment, personal details, account numbers, or login information, do not respond directly. Instead, reach out to the Town of New Shoreham through a known, verified phone number or in person at Town Hall to confirm whether the message is legitimate.
The town's warning is a reminder that even a tight-knit community like ours is not immune to the kinds of scams that circulate nationally. Residents who believe they have received a suspicious email, or who may have already responded to one, are encouraged to contact town officials directly so the matter can be looked into and others can be warned.
As more information becomes available from the Town of New Shoreham, islanders should watch for official updates rather than relying on forwarded emails or secondhand accounts.
Source: Block Island Times
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