The City of Frederick is warning residents and developers about an ongoing nationwide cyber scheme in which malicious actors are impersonating City staff to request payments for permits or development-related fees.
These cyber actors are using fraudulent email addresses, often ending in @usa.com, that may appear similar to official City emails. Examples include:
The City emphasizes that official requests for payment will only be sent through the City’s verified OpenGov system or from email addresses ending in @cityoffrederickmd.gov. Residents and developers should never respond to or provide payment to emails from unknown or suspicious addresses, even if they appear related to City business.
Residents who receive suspicious emails claiming to be from the City should report them to publicaffairs@cityoffrederickmd.gov and avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
By staying vigilant and verifying all payment requests, residents and developers can help protect themselves and the community from cyber fraud.
