Washington County Government Issues Warning About Planning and Zoning Email Scam

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Hagerstown, MD residents and businesses are being alerted by Washington County Government to a fraudulent email scam that is impersonating the county’s Planning & Zoning Department. The deceptive communication claims that an “Application Review and Approval Fee” is required for planning or zoning applications and instructs recipients to arrange payment via wire transfer.

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The fraudulent emails direct individuals to reply for wire transfer details and to provide proof of payment. However, Washington County Government has stated that it does not solicit application or permit payments through email, particularly via wire transfer. Residents are strongly advised against responding to these emails, sharing any personal or financial information, or making any payments.

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Officials are actively addressing this issue and urge anyone who has received the scam email to refrain from replying to the sender, sending any payment or financial data, and to delete the message. For those uncertain about the legitimacy of communications purportedly from Washington County, it is recommended to verify directly with the Planning & Zoning Department using the official contact information found on the Washington County Government website.

For individuals who may have already responded to the fraudulent email or sent money, county officials advise immediate contact with their financial institution and reporting the incident to law enforcement. Washington County Government remains dedicated to safeguarding its residents from fraudulent activities and encourages a vigilant approach towards unsolicited emails that demand payment, especially those involving urgent wire transfer requests. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Washington County Planning & Zoning Department at (240) 313-2430.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government.

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