GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials with the City of Green Bay are warning and making the public aware of a “sophisticated” phishing scam they say is targeting permit and board applications.
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According to a release from the city, the recent phishing scam making its way to residents, property owners, and local businesses involves emails that appear to come from city officials or departments.
These emails can include official city logos, addresses, and references to legitimate applications or recent public meets, all in an attempt to trick potential victims into wiring thousands of dollars for supposed permit or application review fees.
In some cases, officials say the scam involves fake invoices and makes a reference to real property addresses or application numbers as a way to appear authentic.
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
Courtesy of the City of Green Bay
City officials say those in the Green Bay community need to watch for the following key warning signs to help prevent becoming a victim of a scam:
- Requests for Wire Transfers
- The City of Green Bay will never ask for permit or application fee payments via wire transfer or through unofficial channels.
- Suspicious Email Addresses
- Official City communications will always come from a @greenbaywi.gov email address.
- 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, with City logos and addresses copied from public sources.
Officials advise that Green Bay residents should not respond to suspicious emails, click on links, or provide any personal or financial information.
