Scammers Posing As Wilmette Officials Demand Payments

WILMETTE, IL — Wilmette issued a warning about a recent scam involving scammers pretending to be from different departments attempting to collect payments for village services.

In the most recent attempts, police said, scammers contacted businesses and homeowners by email claiming to be Wilmette's Community Development Department. In the emails, residents were asked for payment for fees associated with permit applications via wire transfer.

Each time, the scammer used the village logo and other information to make it appear as an official communication.

The village clarified that it does not accept payment over the phone and all bills and invoices are only payable in person, via mail or on the village's online portal.

"Always check the sender’s email; even if the department or the name looks official, the email address may not be. All official Village of Wilmette invoices are only sent from Wilmette email addresses, which end with @wilmette.com," officials said in a statement.

Anyone who may have additional information about incidents like this one, or who believes they may have been targeted by this scam is encouraged to contact the Wilmette Police Department at 847-256-1200 to report the incident.

If you receive an email, letter, text or phone call and suspect fraud, officials recommend:

• Not responding or engaging with the scammer
• Not providing any personal information
• Not clicking any links or attachments in the email
• Contacting the Finance Department at Village Hall to confirm any outstanding payments at 847-251-2700