Lander County is warning local businesses and residents to be on the lookout for fraudulent invoices that claim to be from the Lander County Planning & Zoning Department.
The fake invoices direct victims to request wire transfer instructions by e-mail and then send payment for fabricated county fees.
Lander County will never request payment by wire transfer through unsolicited emails or invoices or ask recipients to obtain payment instructions by replying to an email.
The fraudulent invoice contained several warning signs that residents should recognize:
- The scammers demanded payment exclusively by wire transfer.
- The invoice instructed recipients to obtain payment instructions by replying to the email.
- It included fees that are not legitimate county charges.
- They demanded immediate payment.
- And requested proof of payment be returned to the sender.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify unexpected invoices by calling Lander County directly before sending payment.
- Never rely solely on contact information provided in a suspicious email or invoice.
- Check the sender's email address. Lander County recently began transitioning to official .gov email addresses for county departments and elected officials. Existing .org email addresses remain active during the transition, but residents should verify unexpected digital communications before responding.
- Be cautious of requests for payment by wire transfer or instructions to obtain payment information by replying to an email.
- Carefully review invoices for unusual language, unfamiliar fees or demands for immediate payment.
If you receive a suspicious invoice or payment request, contact the Lander County Administrative Office at 775-635-2885.
Official contact information for all county departments is available on the county's Contact Us webpage.
