Lassen County urges the public to be aware of an active and escalating email phishing scam.
Scammers are impersonating departments and staff, demanding payment from local business
owners and residents. It appears the targets of the scam consist of applicants that have had recent
projects presented at the Lassen County Planning Commission. The Director of the Department
of Planning and Building Services, and staff, are being impersonated, with emails being sent
from a fraudulent Planning Commission address.
The County urges the public to contact the Department of Planning and Building Services if you
believe you have received one of these phishing emails and electronic invoices. These emails
may appear legitimate, with factual information in the email letters, obtained from public hearing
notices. The County reminds the public that applicants are always encouraged to pay fees in
person at the office. Lassen County Planning and Building Services does not send invoices
demanding only electronic payment, emails that state otherwise should be reported to our office
immediately. Below is an example of one such phishing email with recipient name, address, and
parcel numbers redacted.
Lassen County Warns of Escalating Email Phishing Scam Targeting Residents and Businesses
