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Bernalillo County says email scam is targeting residents with zoning requests
Bernalillo County is warning residents with zoning requests about an email scam directing them to wire thousands of dollars so that their applications can proceed.
“It is believed the scammer got personal information on who submitted the request from meeting agendas available on the county’s website, bernco.gov, as part of the official public record,” wrote spokesperson Randy Harrison in a news release.
At least one person received an email from someone pretending to be from the Planning and Zoning Department “thanking them for their application,” Harrison said. The scam directs residents to make a wire to an off-site email address, planning.bernco@usa.com.
The scam email reads in part, “to finalize the approval process … it is essential that you settle the attached invoice for the county compensation fee,” Harrison said. A PDF attached to the email labeled “Invoice,” formatted to look like it is from the county, itemizes charges that total more than $25,000.
Bernalillo County officials are working with law enforcement agencies “to pursue appropriate action” and are contacting individuals who received similar scam emails, Harrison added.
Residents looking to authenticate communication from the county or who want to report scams can call (505) 468-7777.
