Authorities in Lane County are warning residents about a new scam targeting individuals applying for building and land-use permits. The fraudulent scheme involves convincing victims to send money via wire transfer under the guise of permit fees. Officials are urging the public to stay vigilant and verify any payment requests before taking action.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically begins with a phone call or email from someone posing as a county official. The fraudster claims that the permit application is incomplete or that additional fees are required to expedite the process. To make the request seem urgent, they may threaten delays or penalties if payment is not made immediately.

Victims are instructed to send money via wire transfer, a method that is nearly impossible to trace or recover once the funds are sent. In some cases, the scammer even provides fake receipt numbers or confirmation codes to make the transaction appear legitimate.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unsolicited requests for payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards.
  • Pressure to act immediately or face negative consequences.
  • Caller ID spoofing that shows a government agency number.
  • Requests for personal or financial information over the phone or email.

Official Warning from Lane County

The Lane County Planning and Development Department has clarified that they never request payments via wire transfer. All official fees are processed through their secure online portal or in person at their office. They have also noted that they do not make unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment.

Officials have reported the scam to local law enforcement and are working to raise awareness. They encourage anyone who receives such a request to hang up or ignore the email and contact the department directly using the phone number listed on their official website.

What to Do If You've Been Targeted

If you believe you've been contacted by a scammer, do not send any money. Instead, report the incident to the Lane County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Keep any emails, messages, or phone numbers associated with the scam as evidence.

If you have already fallen victim to the scam, contact your bank or wire transfer service immediately to see if the transaction can be reversed. While recovery is not guaranteed, acting quickly may increase your chances.

Protect Yourself from Permit Scams

Always double-check the legitimacy of any payment request by contacting the relevant government office directly. Use official contact information from their website, not the details provided in the suspicious message. Be especially cautious if the request asks for unusual payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

Remember that government agencies rarely ask for immediate payment over the phone. Take your time to verify the request, and never feel pressured into making a hasty decision. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid becoming a victim of these schemes.

Key Takeaways

  • Lane County permit applicants are being targeted by a wire transfer scam.
  • The scam involves fake requests for permit fees via phone or email.
  • Officials never ask for payments via wire transfer.
  • Always verify payment requests with official sources.
  • Report any suspicious contact to local authorities and the FTC.