Carlton, Oregon – Police are warning residents and businesses about fraudulent emails requesting wire transfers for city permits.
According to the Carlton Police Department, the scam began Monday and involves emails that appear to come from the City of Carlton Planning Department. The messages target permit applicants, developers, and business owners, requesting wire transfers or additional payments tied to permits and applications.
Officials say the scam emails may include invoices that look legitimate, increasing the risk that recipients could mistake them for official city correspondence. Police emphasized that the City of Carlton does not request wire transfers for any permits, fees, or applications.
City officials also warned that all legitimate city emails will come from addresses ending in @ci.carlton.or.us. Planning forms and permit applications are publicly available through official city channels, and payments are only accepted through established city processes.
Residents who receive suspicious emails are advised not to respond, not to send money, and not to initiate any wire transfers. The Carlton Police Department asks that scam emails be reported directly to Chief Kevin Martinez at 503-852-3805.
The city said it is committed to protecting residents, developers, and business owners from fraud and encouraged recipients to share the warning with colleagues, contractors, and partners who may be applying for permits or conducting business with the city.
For questions about legitimate permit fees or application procedures, residents can contact the City of Carlton Planning Commission at 503-852-7575.
The alert may be especially relevant for small business owners, contractors, and younger workers navigating permit processes for the first time.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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