2025-08-15 Phishing Scam Alert

SCAM ALERT – PUBLIC NOTICE

For immediate release: August 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

PHISHING SCAMS TARGETING PERMIT FEES

FRAUD ALERT!

The City & Borough of Wrangell (CBW), along with other municipalities around Alaska have recently reported sophisticated phishing scams targeting individuals and businesses applying for permits. These scams involve fraudsters impersonating municipal officials and attempting to collect fake permit fees. 

Details of the scam

  • Scammers send emails that appear to be from a legitimate CBW department or office (e.g., Planning Department, Finance Department, or Building Department), often using official logos and other details to make the emails look authentic.
  • These emails may request payment for a permit fee or application review, sometimes referencing specific projects or application numbers to add a layer of legitimacy.
  • Some emails include fake invoices and request payment via wire transfer, a method not typically used for official CBW transactions.
  • Other variations include phone calls requesting payment over the phone or demanding immediate payment via a new system or method. 

Warning signs

  • Requests for Wire Transfers: The City & Borough of Wrangell will never ask for permit or application fee payments via wire transfer or through unofficial channels.
  • Suspicious Email Addresses: Official communications will always come from an official CBW address (e.g., @wrangell.com), not generic domains like: @usa.com.
  • Urgency and Threats: Scammers often use urgent language, demanding immediate payment and threatening delays in application processing.
  • Fake Invoices and Attachments: Emails may include attachments that look like official invoices but contain unusual payment instructions or slight discrepancies.
  • Unusual Process Requests: If you are asked to pay in a way that differs from previous experiences, or are unsure about the legitimacy of a request, contact the relevant department directly using official contact information to verify. 

What to do if you suspect a scam

  • Do not send any money or personal information.
  • Do not click on links in suspicious emails.
  • Contact the relevant CBW department directly using verified contact information from the official CBW website (Wrangell.com), not information from the suspicious email.
  • Report the scam to the local police department and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov. 

By remaining vigilant and aware of these scam tactics, you can protect yourself and your community from falling victim to this fraudulent activity. 

 

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