County alerts public to fraudulent zoning payment emails
Photo courtesy of Linn County
County alerts public to fraudulent zoning payment emails
County officials are warning residents and applicants about fraudulent emails posing as Linn County Planning & Development and requesting payment for zoning application approvals.
According to a county notice posted Feb. 9, Linn County Planning & Development has received reports of scam emails that appear to use the county’s mailing address and logo and demand immediate payment through attached invoices or links.
Officials said recipients should not respond to the messages, pay any attached invoices or click embedded links, as the emails are not legitimate and are not connected to the county government.
The department does not send invoices by email to applicants. Application fee payments are handled either online through a BS&A payment link provided directly by Planning & Development staff or in person at the office at 935 Second St. SW in Cedar Rapids. In-person payments can be made by cash, credit card or check.
Legitimate emails regarding applications or payment links will come from a county staff member using a LinnCountyIowa.gov email address, according to the notice.
Information about zoning applications, fees and the zoning fee schedule is available on the County Planning & Zoning Division webpage.
Anyone who receives a suspected scam email, phone call or other fraudulent communication is encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Applicants with questions about zoning matters can contact Planning & Development at 319-892-5130.
