Fraudulent email scam targets CUP applicants in New Kent

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Law enforcement officials are warning residents of New Kent about an email scam that targets individuals involved in the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process.

According to the New Kent County Sheriff's Office, residents have reported receiving emails made to look like they're coming from the New Kent County Planning Commission, saying there are additional fees to continue processing a CUP application.

The scam works through the following steps:

• Scammers send fraudulent emails that are made to look legitimate by using planning-related language or formatting
• The message instructs the person to reply to the email for further information
• Once the victim responds, the scammers send instructions on how to pay the supposed fees -- including directions on how to wire money

The sheriff's office reminded residents that these emails do not come from the county and should be considered fraudulent.

Officials also reminded residents of the following points related to CUP applications:

• All applicable fees for legitimate CUP applications are paid prior to the Board of Supervisors public hearing
• Board of Supervisors meetings are open to the public, and information related to CUP applications may be publicly accessible
• New Kent County will never request wire transfers for CUP payments
• Official payments are accepted in person or by check through county offices -- never through email-to-email instructions

It is possible that the scammer is getting applicant information from public records and/or Board of Supervisors meeting minutes, the sheriff's office said.

Anyone with questions about a CUP application is asked to contact the New Kent Department of Community Development at 804-966-9690.

Those who believe they have been targeted by this scam are asked to call the New Kent County Sheriff's Office at 804-966-9500.