FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo authorities are warning the public to be on alert for an email scam involving fraudsters who are impersonating city officials to target residents.
According to the City of Fargo Planning Department, the fraudulent emails claim to be official city correspondence regarding raffle permit applications. The messages appear to come from a government email address and are signed under the title of the Planning Commission chair.
However, city officials noted a major red flag in the messages: raffle permits in Fargo are administered by the City Auditor’s Office, not the Planning Commission.
The planning department is currently working with the city’s Information Services Department and the Fargo Police Department to investigate the matter.
Authorities emphasized that scammers frequently alter their tactics, often manipulating sender names, email addresses, phone numbers, and text messages to appear legitimate.
If a resident receives an unexpected message claiming to be from the city, officials advise them to take the following steps:
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Do not reply to the message or engage with the sender.
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Do not click on any links or open attachments.
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Do not send money or provide personal or financial information.
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Verify the request independently by contacting the city using the verified numbers or forms on the official City of Fargo website. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
Anyone who believes they have already responded to a fraudulent message or shared sensitive information should contact their financial institution immediately. The incident should also be reported to the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493.
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