Elbert County officials warned on March 25 about a scam involving fake emails and invoices sent to people with pending land use applications. The county said the fraudulent emails appear to come from Elbert County officials and include invoices for charges such as “administrative costs,” “compliance assessments,” and “processing fees.”
This warning is important because it aims to protect residents from financial loss due to scams that misuse the county’s name. Officials emphasized that legitimate email messages from Elbert County Development Services will always come from an address ending in @ElbertCounty-co.gov.
The scam messages request wire transfer payments for various fees. The county clarified that the Development Services Department does not send invoices from third-party email addresses or ask for payment by wire transfer.
Residents are urged to verify any unexpected or suspicious invoice before making a payment by calling the CDS mainline at 303-621-3136. “We are aware that scammers are targeting applicants and urge you to use caution,” officials said.
The broader implication of this warning is a reminder for all residents to remain vigilant against similar scams, especially when handling official matters.