Washington County Government Issues Warning Over Planning and Zoning Email Scam

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Wash Co Govt warns of scam emails requesting wire transfers for planning and zoning fees.

Washington County Government is urging residents and businesses to be aware of a fraudulent email scam that is impersonating the Washington County Planning & Zoning Department. The deceptive message is attempting to solicit payments from individuals by falsely claiming that an “Application Review and Approval Fee” must be paid via wire transfer to proceed with planning or zoning applications.

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The scam emails instruct recipients to reply to the message to receive wire transfer details and to furnish proof of payment. However, Washington County Government has explicitly stated that it does not request application or permit payments through email or via wire transfer. Those who receive this fraudulent communication are strongly advised not to engage with the sender, share any personal or financial details, or send any money.

The recommended course of action for anyone receiving the scam email is to refrain from replying, to avoid providing financial information or making any payments, and to promptly delete the message. If there is any doubt about the legitimacy of a communication purportedly from the Planning & Zoning Department, residents and businesses should verify its authenticity by using the official contact information found on the Washington County Government website.

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County officials have been notified of this fraudulent activity and are reportedly taking measures to address the situation. Individuals who may have already responded to the scam email or made a payment are encouraged to contact their financial institution without delay and to report the incident to law enforcement. Washington County Government emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant when encountering unsolicited messages that demand payment, particularly those involving wire transfers, requests for sensitive financial information, or urgent payment demands. For further clarification or information regarding legitimate departmental procedures, the Planning & Zoning Department can be reached directly at (240) 313-2430.

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

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