Press Release: Crook County Warns of Payment Scams Targeting Permit Applicants

(Prineville, OR) - Crook County is warning residents, contractors, and local businesses to be on alert for scam attempts involving fake payment requests for building permits, land use applications, or other county services.

The County has learned that bad actors are using publicly available information to contact individuals with pending permits or applications, falsely claiming that payment is due. Scammers are then requesting payment via wire transfer, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle.

Please note: Crook County will never request payment through wire transfer, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle.

If you receive a suspicious message or invoice requesting payment for a county-related fee, do not send funds. Instead, contact the appropriate county office directly to verify.

“If you have questions about an invoice, please call 541-447-6554 to confirm before sending payment,” said Will Van Vactor, County Manager. “We want to make sure our residents, and local businesses are protected from these types of scams.”

Similar scams have been reported in other Oregon counties, and Crook County is committed to keeping residents informed and protected from these fraudulent attempts.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected scam attempts to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency.