Phishing Scam
Fake Emails Targeting Building & Planning Applications
The Town is alerting residents and applicants about a sophisticated “phishing” email scam that has recently come to our attention. Scammers are sending emails that impersonate Town representatives, attempting to trick residents and applicants into making payments for Building or Planning applications.
The emails may appear to be from municipal staff and may include fake invoices, payment requests, or directives to click on links or reply to the scam email for more information. The emails may include the Town seal and may appear credible, but they are a scam.
IMPORTANT: The Town of Cortlandt never issues requests and will not accept fees/payments via wire transfer, ACH, or credit/debit card over the phone or by email. We accept cash/check in person, checks by mail, or credit/debit card ONLY via our online OpenGov portal.
How to Stay Safe
- Be Cautious – Treat unexpected emails with caution, especially those containing links, attachments, or requests for payment.
- Verify the Source – If you receive an email, text, or phone call claiming to be from the Town, double-check by contacting us directly through official phone numbers and email addresses. View our staff contact list for details.
- Don’t Click – Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in messages that seem unusual or out of character.
Examples of the types of scam emails seen:
