The City of Pine Bluff has issued a public service announcement warning residents about a scam involving fraudulent emails and text messages impersonating the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
According to city officials, the scam attempts to trick recipients into sending wire transfers under the guise of an “Invoice Settlement for Application Approval.” The city emphasized that it does not accept electronic payments for zoning or permit fees.
Residents are urged to be on the lookout for common warning signs, including:
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Unexpected payment requests: The city will never send emails demanding immediate payment with attached invoices.
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Urgency and pressure tactics: Scammers often push for fast action to avoid supposed delays.
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Suspicious sender information: Fraudulent emails may appear to come from city staff, but a closer look at the sender’s email address will usually reveal discrepancies.
Officials stress that anyone receiving such a message should not click on links, open attachments, reply, or make payments. Instead, residents are advised to:
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Save a copy or screenshot of the email for records.
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Delete the suspicious message.
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Report online scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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Verify communications directly with the City of Pine Bluff by calling official phone numbers or visiting city offices in person.
The city encourages residents to remain cautious of unsolicited emails, verify suspicious requests through official channels, and never share financial or personal details such as bank account numbers or Social Security information via email.
City leaders stressed that public safety remains a top priority. “By staying informed and vigilant, residents can help protect themselves and the Pine Bluff community from fraudulent activity,” officials said.
