Green Bay Reporter

The City of Green Bay has issued a warning to its residents, property owners, and local businesses regarding an increase in phishing scams. These scams are targeting individuals involved in the city's permit applications and board or committee processes.

According to city officials, the fraudulent emails appear to originate from city departments or officials. They use official logos, addresses, and references to legitimate applications or recent public meetings. The scammers request urgent wire transfer payments for supposed permit or application review fees. In some instances, the messages include fake invoices and reference actual property addresses or application numbers to enhance authenticity.

Residents are advised to be cautious of requests for wire transfers as "the City of Green Bay will never ask for permit or application fee payments via wire transfer or through unofficial channels." Official communications will always come from an "@greenbaywi.gov" email address. Scammers may also use urgent language demanding immediate payment while threatening delays in processing applications.

Emails may contain attachments resembling official invoices with copied City logos and addresses from public sources. Residents are urged not to respond to suspicious emails, click on links, or provide personal information. Sharing this information with neighbors and community groups is encouraged to prevent further incidents.

For more details on this issue, residents can contact Michael Bergman, Communications Director at the City of Green Bay, at (920) 448-3210 (desk), (920) 934-0826 (cell), or via email at Michael.Bergman@greenbaywi.gov.