Crime & Safety

Town Of Amherst Alerts Applicants To Fake Town Emails Seeking Payment

Town officials say fake emails are targeting residents and applicants with bogus Planning Board payment requests.

AMHERST, NH — Amherst residents and applicants with pending town matters are being warned about scam emails that appear to come from the town of Amherst and request payment tied to Planning Board business.

According to a town notice, Amherst has been made aware of emails being sent to residents and applicants "pretending to be from the town and requesting payment related to Planning Board matters." The notice said the town "will NEVER ask residents or applicants to wire money."

The town also said official staff email addresses "will ALWAYS end in '@amherstnh.gov'."

Two fraudulent email addresses are currently being reported, according to the notice: "Planning-Dept.TownOfAmherstHillsboroughCountyNH@usa.com" and "amherstnh.gov@usa.com."

If someone receives an email requesting payment and is unsure whether it is legitimate, the notice directs them to contact the Community Development Department before responding or sending any payment: Kjobin@amherstnh.gov and 603-673-6041 ext. 204.

The town said staff is currently reaching out to active applicants to let them know about the scam.

"Please share this notice with friends, neighbors, and anyone who may have applications pending with the Town," the town said.

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