Sheriff's Office Warns of Fraudulent County Planning and Zoning Emails

The Churchill County Sheriff's Office is warning residents and businesses about fraudulent emails impersonating Churchill County Planning and Zoning officials and requesting additional fees.

According to Sheriff Lee Orozco, the emails tell recipients they owe additional fees and instruct them to respond to arrange payment through a wire transfer.

The Sheriff's Office emphasized that Churchill County Planning and Zoning does not request wire transfers to pay fees.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to check the sender's email address. Legitimate county employee email addresses use the official domain @churchillcountynv.gov, although scammers can disguise email addresses to make them appear legitimate.

The Sheriff's Office advises recipients not to respond to suspicious emails, click unfamiliar links or open unexpected attachments. Anyone receiving an unexpected payment request should verify it directly with the county before sending money.

Residents, contractors and businesses with questions about the legitimacy of an email or payment request can contact the Churchill County Public Works, Planning and Building Department at 775-423-7627.

The Sheriff's Office also cautioned that scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure recipients into sending money before verifying the request.