Chelan County Community Development is warning residents about a new email scam.
A local resident applying for a Comprehensive Plan amendment recently received a fake invoice for $5,000. The scam used county logos, parcel numbers, and even the name of Community Development Director Deanna Walter to appear legitimate.
Walter stresses the department will never send invoices by email. Land use and building permit fees are only paid in person at the office counter, through a customer’s secure online account, or by phone if staff call directly.
The fraudulent email included red flags common to phishing scams, such as an incorrect office address and references to the Planning Commission. Residents are urged to watch for misspellings, suspicious addresses, and payment requests via wire transfer.
Suspected scams should be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov. Anyone with concerns about an email from Community Development should call the department directly at 509-667-6225.
Tips to Avoid IRS Scams During Tax Season
There are so many scams going on around tax season trying to steal your refund check, here are some tips to make sure you don’t become a victim.
Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins
Tips to Avoid Being Victimized By Scams
When the Black Friday deals show up, so do the scammers! To protect yourself, the FBI shared the following tips.
Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio
