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City planner warns of phishing scams using Planning Commission application materials; FBI investigating
Summary
Melissa, the city planner, warned the commission that phishing emails and payment‑fraud attempts are targeting planning applicants and staff; she said the city does not accept wire transfers for application or permit fees and that the FBI is investigating.
City planner Melissa told the Planning Commission that planning commission application packets and staff names are being used in email phishing scams that attempt to solicit wire transfers.
"The city does not accept wire transfer of funds in any form for any fees that we require for building permits, planning commission applications, city council fees," Melissa said, noting that the FBI is investigating the incidents and that staff can provide information to any victim to file a complaint. She said staff has seen multiple contacts and that packets are being viewed in some capacity, recommending caution when applicants receive payment requests that appear to come from planning staff.
Commissioners discussed limited anecdotal instances and staff asked that anyone who believes they have been contacted in a fraudulent way contact city staff to get next steps and reporting information. No formal action was required; the announcement was recorded in the meeting minutes.
