Warning from Chelan County Email Scam Targets Community Development Customers

Chelan County Community Development has alerted residents to an email scam involving fake invoices. A local resident applying for a Comprehensive Plan amendment received a fraudulent invoice for $5,000, which included specific details from the application and the county's logo. Director Deanna Walter emphasized that the department does not send invoices via email, as payments are always processed in person or online through secure accounts. Residents are advised to be vigilant for signs of phishing scams, such as misspellings and suspicious email addresses. The scam also featured an incorrect office address and misidentified the Planning Commission.

To combat such fraud, residents should report suspicious emails to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Community Development encourages anyone uncertain about an email's authenticity to contact them directly at 509-667-6225. This warning highlights the growing sophistication of email scams targeting local government customers.