Thermostat Rebate Scam: Two New York Men Arrested in Connecticut

This Connecticut-focused blog post recaps the Fairfield police arrest of two New York men who allegedly schemed to steal energy-efficient thermostats delivered to Connecticut residences through a rebate program.

The case shows how package theft can cross state lines and impact homeowners in several towns. Police say the suspects used fake names to route the devices to Fairfield addresses, then picked them up from residents without permission.

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What happened in Fairfield

On March 4, Fairfield officers responded to calls about two men taking packages from homes near James and Pratt streets.

The investigation found the suspects ordered thermostats through a rebate program, used fake names, and had them shipped to local addresses.

Police recovered seven packages with 14 Google Nest thermostats, valued at about $3,900. The men took the devices from homeowners’ porches or steps without consent.

This incident is a reminder that grant-funded or utility-backed rebates can be targets for scams if delivery and recipient checks aren’t strict enough. Residents in Norwalk, Bridgeport, Stamford, Danbury, Greenwich, Milford, New Haven, Hartford, and other towns should keep an eye on doorstep deliveries.

Who was involved and what they faced

The suspects are Teon Thomas, 24, from Rochester, New York, and Dawud Gause-Seignious, 23, from Wyandanch, New York.

Items stolen: Seven packages containing 14 Google Nest thermostats, worth about $3,900.
Delivery scheme: Orders placed under fake names, shipped to Fairfield addresses via a rebate program.
Homeowners affected: Thermostats taken from homes without permission, affecting people around James and Pratt streets and maybe even some neighbors in nearby towns.
Charges: Thomas faces third-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, criminal impersonation, and third-degree criminal trespass. Gause-Seignious faces third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.
Legal status: Police released Thomas on a promise to appear in court. Gause-Seignious was charged and processed by Fairfield police.

Repercussions for Connecticut communities and the rebate program

The Fairfield case raises concerns for Connecticut residents using energy-saving rebate programs. When devices like thermostats go missing after delivery, utilities and program managers can lose money and trust.

Officials in towns like Bloomfield, Waterbury, Middletown, New Britain, and even Worcester County-adjacent CT towns urge residents to check deliveries and report anything suspicious right away. Package scams like this are a hassle—nobody wants to deal with that on top of everything else.

What this means for residents and local officials

For homeowners, the Fairfield case really drives home the need for package delivery security. Tracking shipments matters, especially when rebates help pay for home improvements.

Local police in cities like Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Danbury are sharing a few tips with residents:

Require signatures or secure drop-off locations for high-value items.
Verify recipient information before shipments are released to any address.
Monitor rebate program communications and contact the issuing agency if anything seems irregular.
Report suspicious activity around delivery times or addresses to local law enforcement.

Investigators in Fairfield say this kind of crime isn’t just a local problem. Connecticut’s dense web of towns—from Stamford and Greenwich to New Haven and Hartford—makes vigilance pretty crucial for protecting homeowners and folks expecting legitimate rebates.

If you think someone’s targeting your delivery or you notice anything odd around a package, don’t wait—call your local police department right away.

Here is the source article for this story: Thermostat rebate scam leads to the arrests of two New York men in Connecticut

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