Smithfield alerts developers to fraudulent payment emails; town will not seek fees via email
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Summary
During council comments, staff warned that fraudulent emails from a usa.com account have been sent to developers requesting payments for planning or application fees and advised recipients not to click links and to forward suspicious messages to planning staff.
Smithfield — Town staff warned developers and contractors that fraudulent emails purporting to request payment for planning or permit fees have been circulating and do not originate from the Town of Smithfield.
During council comments a staff member said the town has been made aware of messages coming from a usa.com account requesting payment for applications or planning fees. Staff advised that legitimate town payment channels are in person at Town Hall or through official town systems and that the town will not request payment through third-party email links.
The staff member asked anyone who receives a suspicious email to forward it to administrative assistant Julie Edmonds in the Planning Department so the town can investigate and report the communications. The town has posted a notice on its website and informed developers and community partners.
Why it matters: Fraudulent payment requests can lead to financial loss and interfere with permit and development workflows. The town’s notice clarifies legitimate payment methods and provides a reporting contact for suspected fraud.
What’s next: Developers and applicants should not click links or send funds in response to unexpected payment requests; report suspicious emails to planning staff for follow-up.