Residents of St. Johns County are being warned about a rise in wire transfer scams targeting those interacting with the County Growth Management Department. The county reports that scammers are sending fraudulent emails and texts instructing residents to make wire transfers for fees related to permits, plan submissions, and other services.
The fraudulent messages often imitate official County email addresses, using slight misspellings or suspicious domains. They may include official-looking County logos or fake invoices to trick recipients into sending money. St. Johns County officials emphasize that wire transfers are not an accepted method of payment for permits, plans, or any application fees.
To help prevent fraud, St. Johns County advises residents to verify any payment requests by calling the Growth Management Department at 904-209-0675. Residents should carefully check sender email addresses, as misspellings or unusual domains may indicate scams. They are also warned not to click on links or open attachments from unexpected messages related to fees or permits.
Any suspicious activity or communication should be reported to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office via the non-emergency line at 904-824-8304. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with local authorities to help prevent fraud. St. Johns County and the Sheriff’s Office are monitoring the situation to track the scam and prevent further incidents.
