(Lander, WY) – The Lander Police Department is reporting that it has received “several reports of a sophisticated wire fraud scam targeting our local business community, specifically those with liquor licenses.”
LPD says scammers are posing as officials from the City of Lander Planning & Zoning Department, using the email address “planning.landerwyoming@usa.com,” which is not associated with or used by the City of Lander.
LPD goes on to explain that the scammers are “contacting business owners with professional-looking emails, claiming to be an ‘official’ reminder regarding an outstanding Application Review and Approval Fee with an invoice attached.” To avoid being scammed, do not click the invoice attachment.
The LPD notice says the red flags are that the scammers are “requesting a reply to the email and a ‘wire’ payment via instructions, plus return of payment confirmation to the email.” The City of Lander does not use this process for payment.
The notice provides the following tips to avoid being scammed.
- Verify the Source: Official government agencies, such as the City of Lander, will never demand payment via wire transfer or digital payment apps over the phone.
- Don’t Rush: Scammers use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of panic. Take a breath and don’t respond.
- Check the URL: Only use official “.gov” websites to process payments or check the status of your license. If you are not sure of what the official website or email address should be, call the organization
- Call Us Directly: If you are not sure of what the official website or email address should be, call the organization. The City of Lander 307-332-2870; Lander Police Department Administration 307-332-3401; Lander Police Department Dispatch 307-332-3131.
LPD advises that if you have shared financial information or sent money, please contact your bank immediately and file a report with the Lander Police Department.