Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cybersecurity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Forest Lake staff warn applicants about fraud emails requesting wire transfers
Summary
Planning staff alerted applicants and commissioners to a fraud scheme that used fake emails appearing to come from city staff and asked applicants to wire transfer fees; staff urged caution and said they are examining internal safeguards.
City planning staff warned commissioners that some planning and zoning applicants have been targeted by fraud emails that impersonate city staff and request wire transfers.
Staff member Abby said the phishing messages appear to come from email addresses that mimic staff and in at least one case included a PDF with city letterhead and signatures. One commissioner was targeted and reported the incident, which prompted staff outreach and a public-education notice. "These emails looked exactly like they were coming from the city," a commissioner said; Abby told the commission staff will work with administration and legal to reduce exposure of applicant contact information and to strengthen safeguards.
Staff urged applicants and commissioners to treat any unsolicited requests for wire transfers with suspicion and to verify payment instructions through official city channels. The city has communicated guidance to affected applicants and will continue outreach as the investigation proceeds.
