The Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services Department is warning the public about an ongoing email scam in which residents have been directed to wire thousands of dollars to an off-site email address, claiming it’s necessary for their zoning applications before the county to go forward.
County personnel became aware as early as January of an email circulating that is purportedly from the county planning commission. County officials believe the scammers have obtained certain personal information about property owners from meeting agendas posted on the county’s website, which is public record.
A recent iteration of the scam instructs the zoning applicant to sign an “invoice” that includes a copy of the county seal on each of three pages and to return it, “along with the wire payment receipt,” to an email address that is not actually associated with Bernalillo County.
The itemized “charges” have ranged from $8,000 to $25,200, due upon receipt.
“The county wants to remind the public to be extra vigilant about potential online or email-based scams involving county business,” County Planning and Development Services Director Nick Hamm said. “If there is any doubt about the legitimacy of a county document, please feel free to contact us to verify legitimate communication. County fees for permit applications are only accepted on bernco.gov or in person at county offices. They’re never requested via bank wire.”
According to a news release, the county is working with law enforcement agencies to pursue appropriate action and is contacting individuals who have received similar scam emails.
The release states that any correspondence from Bernalillo County will come from an email address ending with “.gov.”
Anyone with questions about the authenticity of any communication, or wishing to report a suspected scam email can call the Bernalillo County Contact Center at 505-468-7777.
Santa Fe County last week reported a similar scam making the rounds there.