Worcester County, Maryland — Local business owners and residents are being warned about a fraudulent email scam aimed at those involved in the county’s permitting and plan review process. Scammers impersonate Development Review and Permitting staff and send messages demanding wire transfers for supposed fees. The Director of Development Review and Permitting, confirmed several area businesses received these false payment requests. The county stresses that it does not accept wire transfers. Payments must be made in person, by mail, or through a secure online portal. Warning signs include emails sent from unofficial addresses such as “@usa.com,” requests for wire transfers, and insistence on email-only communication. County staff communicate via multiple channels, including phone and in-person meetings. Fraudsters have used actual county documents and reports to make the emails appear legitimate. Keener advises anyone receiving unexpected payment requests without prior direct contact from county personnel to verify by calling the county office. Officials urge recipients not to respond to suspicious emails or click on unknown links. Those suspecting fraud should contact Worcester County directly for confirmation.
