Mayor Grimm would like to alert the public to a scam the City was made aware of several months ago that has recently resurfaced and appears to be becoming more widespread. In this instance, a local developer received an email message—purporting to be from the City—requesting payment of fees related to their development application.
Fortunately, the City is not aware of any funds being lost to this scam to date. However, residents, businesses, and applicants are urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when receiving unsolicited communications requesting payment or sensitive information.
Mayor Grimm emphasized that the City will never request payment via wire transfer. Any email message directing an individual to remit payment by wire transfer or requesting sensitive financial information should be treated as suspicious.
“These types of scams are increasingly prevalent, and the messages can appear entirely legitimate. They often convey a sense of urgency that could prompt even the most cautious among us to act. I encourage everyone to carefully review the sender’s email address, scrutinize any message requesting payment or sensitive information, and, if there is any doubt, contact the City directly or call the individual who supposedly sent the message to verify its authenticity.”