SCAM ALERT

A series of fraudulent emails are being sent to applicants with Planning and Building Services. These emails pose as Planning and Building Services Director Julia Krog and require that additional funds be paid in order to continue processing a permit or as credit towards a future application. The emails request that correspondence only be continued via email and that the recipient reply to the email to receive wire instructions to submit the requested funds. This scam is part of a nationwide scam that has been targeting local and county planning departments.

Key indicators that you have received a scam email include:

• The sending email is from the email domain of @usa.com. The emails the Department has seen are specifically from krogj.mendocinocounty.gov@usa.com.

  Note: All official county emails are received from email addresses with the email domain of @mendocinocounty.gov

• The email requests wire transfer.

  Note: The Department does not offer wire transfer as a form of payment.

• The email requests that you correspond only via email.

Note: The Department offers numerous forms of communication including phone calls, emails and in-person visits.

The Department encourages all individuals who are unsure if an email received is fraudulent to please contact our office via telephone to ensure the validity of the email. If you receive a scam email, do not open attachments, report the email to your email service provider as spam, and delete the email.

Download Press Release HERE.