SCAM ALERT

An attempt to defraud a local resident was brought to our attention today by the intended victim.

 

He received an email alleging to be our Planning & Zoning Director, saying that his development application had been approved and a number of fees were now due. The email went on to give detailed instructions on how to wire transfer nearly $4,000 that was due for various fees.

 

The citizen had, in fact, recently been approved for a zone change application, however, those fees are paid prior to the application even being accepted. A very clever scammer used detailed information and language from a summary report that was a public record to make the email sound more authentic.

 

Thankfully, the intended victim contacted us from the bank to verify a routing number prior to authorizing the payment.

 

If something doesn't seem right, or you are directed that payment to the Township should be made via wire transfer, be advised you're being scammed! We do accept electronic payment for zoning fees, however, it's a customer-initiated transaction through our website, not an email with wire instructions. Cash or check handed to our staff are always perfectly acceptable and safe as well!

 

Lastly - LOOK AT THE ACTUAL EMAIL ADDRESS from who it was received. Scammers will often try to emulate official looking email addresses using the slightest altered character, like using a zero instead of an o, or a 1 instead of an l, and so forth.

Be suspicious - don't get scammed!!!