Fake Washoe County "Application Approval Fee" Emails
Category
Business and Email
Affects
Businesses
Status
Active
Source
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Property owners and development applicants in unincorporated Washoe County received emails, signed with the name of a Planning Commission official, saying they must pay an application approval fee to get final approval. The details came from public records, which made the emails look legitimate. Douglas County reported a similar permit fee email.
How it works
- An email cites a real project address or application number and a real official's name.
- It says a fee must be paid before final approval, with payment instructions and a request for proof of payment.
- The payment goes to the scammer, not the county.
Red flags
- Government agencies do not require development application fees by email.
- Public details used to look official, plus an urgent deadline.
- Payment instructions that route to a personal or unfamiliar account.
What to do
- Do not pay. Call the Washoe County Planning Program at (775) 328-6100 using the number you look up yourself.
- Forward suspicious emails to your IT provider and delete them.
- Document everything and report to local law enforcement if you paid.
Already paid or shared information? See the step-by-step checklist and the list of places to report. You can also report to the FTC or the FBI IC3.
From our blog
Phishing Targeting Reno & Sparks Development Permits
Sources
WCSO warning (Washoe Life) · KOLO 8 News Now (Oct 18, 2025) · Fox Reno: Douglas County permit fee scam email
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Posted solely for community awareness. This is not an official government or law enforcement notice, and High Sierra Cyber is not affiliated with any agency named here. Board last updated October 10, 2026. Details, phone numbers, and policies change, so confirm with the official agency before acting. Submitted reports are unverified. General information only, not legal or financial advice.