SURF CITY, N.C. (WECT) – Surf City is warning residents and customers about fraudulent emails impersonating its Community Development Department.
Town officials said the scam messages target people involved in planning and permitting and may ask recipients for personal information or payment. Officials said the department will not request personal information or payment through unsolicited email, and the town does not accept wire transfers.
Surf City officials said legitimate communication will come only from an email address ending in @SurfCityNC.gov, a direct phone call from staff or U.S. mail. The town said scammers appear to be using information found in public records, not from a data breach.
Officials urged anyone who receives a suspicious email not to respond, click links, open attachments or send payment. To verify a message, call the Community Development Department at 910-328-4131. Anyone who believes they provided information or sent money should contact Surf City police at 910-328-7711.
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