Lassen County’s CAO Maurice Anderson is urging the public to be aware of an ‘active and escalating’ email phishing scam involving scammers who are impersonating Lassen County departments and staff, demanding payment from local business owners and residents.
“It appears the targets of the scam consist of applicants that have had recent projects presented at the Lassen County Planning Commission,” explains Anderson.
“The Director of the Department of Planning and Building Services, and staff, are being impersonated, with emails being sent from a fraudulent Planning Commission address.”
If you received one of these phishing emails and electronic invoices Anderson asks that you contact the Department of Planning and Building Services at 1.530.251.8269.
“These emails may appear legitimate, with factual information in the email letters, obtained from public hearing notices.”
Anderson said that applicants are always encouraged to pay fees in person at the office.
“Lassen County Planning and Building Services does not send invoices demanding only electronic payment, emails that state otherwise should be reported to our office immediately.”
An example phishing email with the recipient’s name, address, and parcel numbers redacted.
