FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash. – The Franklin County Planning and Building Department has issued a warning about a scam targeting local property owners.
According to a release by the Franklin County Commission, the scam involves fraudulent emails requesting wire payments for permit approvals, falsely using the name of Wes McCart, the County’s Planning and Building Director.
The scam emails mimic official communications and ask homeowners to send money to finalize permits, claiming to offer final approval for a Conditional Use Permit, the release said.
The fraudulent emails are sent from “franklincountyplanningcommissin@usa.com,” which is not a legitimate Franklin County domain.
The county has emphasized that it does not accept wire transfers for permit payments.
Homeowners should watch for red flags such as email errors, suspicious email addresses and inaccurate fees.
Residents are advised not to respond or send money. They’re asked to report the scam to the Franklin County Planning & Building Department at (509) 545-3521.
