The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office is notifying residents of an active scam aimed at individuals who have recently submitted applications to the county’s Board of Adjustment.
In a press release sent Thursday, the sheriff’s office says scammers are sending emails designed to look official, using accurate information pulled from the public agenda. These messages include real case numbers, applicant addresses and details about what each applicant is requesting, which makes the communication appear legitimate. The email instructs recipients to pay an application approval fee through a wire transfer. County officials stress that they do not request or process payments in this manner, and any such email is fraudulent.
Residents who receive these messages are advised not to reply, not to send any money, and not to click on any links within the email. Instead, individuals should contact the Planning and Zoning Commission directly to verify whether any communication they’ve received is legitimate.
Full press release below
