The town of Webster says it lost more than $520,000 in a cyberattack nearly nine weeks ago.

The town informed community members Thursday that it fell victim to a complex phishing scam on Nov. 8. They say the scammers posed as staff for a contractor the town is frequently in contact with.

Town personnel discovered the fraud 12 days later and immediately began a criminal investigation as well as contacting their IT, banking and insurance agents. They say the town could not inform the public earlier due to an active investigation. Officials say Webster police managed to seize more than $300,000 from the scammers and up to $240,000 is coming to the town through its cyber insurance policy.

Local officials also say Webster's IT department conducted a review of its systems and no accounts have been compromised.

“Through excellent police work and proactive planning, the Town of Webster was able to respond to this incident effectively and efficiently,” Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty said in a statement. “In 2024, the Town purchased cyber insurance to respond to such threats. In addition, the Town of Webster is fortunate to have a local police department with the capability to expeditiously respond to these crimes. While it is disheartening that we must consider these events, the Town is grateful to have been prepared to protect taxpayers in the midst of this cyberattack.”

Both the IT and finance departments are making changes to prevent similar issues in the future.

Town officials say Webster police and the FBI are investigating.