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Terrell issues alert after fake Planning and Zoning invoices circulate following suspected system hack
Summary
Terrell planning staff alerted residents and developers that fake invoices appearing to come from the Planning and Zoning Commission are being circulated after a suspected hack of the city's software system; IT and police have been notified and the assistant city manager urged recipients to contact city staff if they receive suspicious billing.
Janet, a city staff member, informed the Planning & Zoning Commission on March 27 that the City of Terrell’s software system appears to have been compromised and that fraudulent invoices purporting to come from the Planning and Zoning Commission have been sent to residents and developers.
“City of Terrell staff have become aware of a scam in which local residents and developers are receiving fake invoices, which appear to be sent from our Planning and Zoning Commission,” Janet said. She said the city’s IT department and the police department have been alerted and that she has reported the incident to both departments.
The alert circulated to commissioners quoted assistant city manager Mark Mills, saying, “The Planning and Zoning Commission does not generate invoices or bills.” The alert advised anyone unsure about a billing message to contact Mills or call his extension, which was listed in the notification.
The staff announcement did not identify the source of the intrusion or say how many people received the bogus invoices. Janet said the invoices use a likeness of the city logo and contain fictitious itemized charges for services. The commission did not take formal action at the meeting beyond noting that IT and the police department have been notified.
The city did not provide a timeline for recovery of the affected system or a public list of contacts besides the assistant city manager’s extension given in the alert. Staff directed that the incident be reported and investigated by IT and the police.
