New scam targets planning applicants

According to a release issued by the County on Tuesday, scammers are sending emails to residents who submit applications to the Planning Department for Planning Commission items, Zoning Appeals, and Agricultural & Forestal Districts asking them to pay fees associated with their applications. The emails look official and include information directly from the applications.

These fraudulent emails may include the applicant’s real permit or project details skimmed from publicly available documents, use official-looking logos and/or language, and demand urgent payment.

While the emails may seem convincing, there are typically several ways to identify them as fraudulent, such as:

Sender address Real messages come from @powhatanva.gov, while scam emails may use domains such as planning-powhatan.va.gov@usa.com.

Payment instructions Powhatan County Community Development will never send out an email asking for payment via wire transfer, credit card, or Automated Clearing House (ACH). Payment for applications is typically taken at the time of application and must be submitted in person to the Powhatan County Treasurer’s Office or via mail with a check addressed to the Permit Center and made out to the Powhatan County Treasurer.

Prior to its regular meeting, the Board held a pre-meeting at 5 p.m. where members received a presentation with updates from the Powhatan County Public Library.

If you receive an email requesting payment that you believe could be suspicious, do not click links or open attachments and instead contact Powhatan County Community Development at (804) 598-5622.