Bernalillo County warns of scam targeting residents with zoning requests
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BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. — Bernalillo County is warning about a scam directing residents to wire more than $25,000 so their zoning application can go forward.
According to the county, at least one resident received an email from someone pretending to be from the county’s planning and zoning commission. The email stated “to finalize the approval process … it is essential that you settle the attached invoice for the county compensation fee.” Then, there is an attached PDF file labeled “Invoice,” with a copy of the county seal on each page and itemized charges totaling $25,200 – due upon receipt.
The email instructs people to send a wire-transfer payment to planning.bernco@usa.com – an email address not affiliated with the county.
The county believes the scammer obtained the information through public records on BernCo.gov. They are working with law enforcement agencies to find out who did this and to reach out to people who may have received similar scam emails.
“Bernalillo County reminds the public that payment of required fees would only occur in person at county offices, through BernCo.gov or through delivery of a check via mail to official county departments. Also, the county never solicits a wire transfer of funds and does not conduct financial transactions via email,” the county stated in a news release.
If you have questions about the authenticity of any communication, wish to report any suspected scam emails or want to verify the legitimacy of required county fees, call 505-468-7777.