The City of Yakima is warning residents about a scam targeting people involved in local planning and permitting processes. Fraudulent emails are being sent that appear to come from City Community Development Department or Planning Division staff, asking recipients to send wire transfers or pay fake invoices.
City officials say the scam is part of a broader nationwide trend in which criminals impersonate local government staff to steal money from residents and businesses navigating permitting processes.
Residents who receive an unexpected email requesting payment connected to a planning or permitting matter should not send money or click any links. They should contact the City of Yakima Community Development Department directly to verify whether any payment is actually owed.