In the shaded realm of cyberspace where deceit often wears a mask of legitimacy, some Coconino County residents find themselves the latest targets in a series of scams aimed squarely at property owners. According to a recent warning from the County Manager's Office, scammers are dispatching emails under the guise of the "Coconino County Planning and Zoning Division," alleging recipients owe an "Application Review & Renewal Fee" related to Conditional Use Permits for their properties, complete with a PDF invoice for payment.
The deception doesn’t stop at emails masquerading as official communications; these scammers have constructed an elaborate ruse to extract money from unsuspecting residents. The emails themselves are a façade—one that crumbles under scrutiny. An attached invoice only adds texture to the scam in a crude attempt to give the extortion a veneer of authenticity. The County Manager's Office strongly asserts that all planning and zoning issues are conducted through the Community Development Department, and that legitimate invoices for payment would not be sent via email or as past-due notices.
Residents tangled up in this web of deceit have been issued a clear directive: if you've received such a fraudulent communication, resist the enticement of urgency that these scams often deploy, and instead, reach out directly to the real Community Development Department at 928-679-8850. Adding to their fake appearance, the scammers missed one key detail: real emails from Coconino County only come from addresses ending in “@coconino.az.gov,” as reported by the county's official website.
