| The Herald-Mail
Washington County officials are warning residents and businesses about a fraudulent email that falsely claims to come from the county’s Planning & Zoning Department and seeks payment through a wire transfer.
The scam targets people involved in planning or zoning applications and states that an “Application Review and Approval Fee” must be paid before processing can continue, according to a community announcement. Recipients are instructed to reply for wire transfer information and submit proof of payment.
County officials said in the announcement that the email is not legitimate.
Washington County Government does not request application or permit payments through email using wire transfers, according to the announcement. Residents are urged not to respond to the message, provide personal or financial information or send any payment.
What the scam email claims
According to the announcement, the email tells recipients that a fee is required to continue processing a planning or zoning application. The sender requests a wire transfer and asks recipients to provide payment confirmation.
Officials said in the announcement that residents and businesses should treat the message as fraudulent.
What residents should do
According to the announcement, recipients of the email should:
- Not reply to the sender.
- Not provide payment, banking or financial information.
- Delete the email.
- Contact the Planning & Zoning Department directly if they are unsure whether a communication is legitimate.
The county said that it is aware of the scam and is taking steps to address the issue, according to the announcement.
Anyone who already responded to the message or sent money should contact their financial institution immediately and report the incident to law enforcement.
The Washington County Planning & Zoning Department can be reached at 240-313-2430, for additional information.
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