City warns of email scam targeting residents, businesses
– The City of Paso Robles is alerting residents and businesses about a fraudulent email scam impersonating the city’s Planning and Community Development Department.
The emails are being sent from planning.prcity@usa.com and Planning-Dpt.cityofelpasoderoblesca@usa.com, or similar addresses, and are not associated with the city. The messages reference real property addresses and project types pulled from public information and include a fake invoice PDF attachment for various fees.
The emails instruct recipients to reply to request invoice settlement advice and to return a signed invoice and payment receipt via email. The emails also falsely claim that payment is required to proceed with the application and public hearing process.
The city says it will never ask anyone to wire transfer money under any circumstances. Official city emails end in @prcity.com, not @usa.com.
Residents who receive a similar email are advised not to reply, click links, or send payment. They should verify the sender’s address carefully and contact the city directly using verified contact information.
For secure transactions and services, the city directs residents to use the Paso Permits portal at www.prcity.com/PasoPermits.
For questions or to report a suspicious email, contact the Building Division at (805) 237-3850 or building@prcity.com, the Planning Division at (805) 237-3970 or planning@prcity.com, or the Engineering Division at (805) 237-3860 or engineering@prcity.com.
