New 'Malicious' Scam Phishing Emails In Southampton, With Someone Imitating Land Management Officials: Police

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The Southampton Town Police Department's detective division has issued a public warning concerning a series of "malicious phishing emails currently circulating."

The malicious e-mails are originating from the e-mail domain "….@usa.com," police said.

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That particular pattern of scam phishing e-mails had unknown suspect(s) imitating a member of the Southampton Town Department of Land Management, targeting their victims by fraudulently requesting approvals fees, police said.

The e-mails are traditionally accompanied with an invoice and bank wire instructions, police said.

Following is the actual sum and substance of the scam e-mail, with obvious redactions, police said.

"Dear (REDACTED VICTIM), On behalf of the Town of Southampton Planning Board and the Department of Land Management, we extend our sincere appreciation for your comprehensive submission and continued cooperation throughout the review process for your pre-submission site plan application regarding the property located at (REDACTED ADDRESS)."

The email continues: "We are pleased to provide this official status update regarding your proposal. Following a thorough evaluation of your pre-submission materials, planning specifications, and conformity with the provisions of Chapter 330 of the Town Code and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the municipal staff has officially recommended approval of your application."

And, the email goes on: "To successfully conclude this administrative stage and advance your project toward final endorsement, we kindly request that you settle the associated application approval fee detailed in the attached invoice at your earliest convenience. Prompt settlement will allow our department to finalize the remaining administrative procedures and prepare your documentation for final execution."

Individuals are then given a series of procedural steps to "facilitate a seamless completion" of the process; they are asked to reply directly to the email or contact an office to request official invoice settlement and other instructions.

"We deeply appreciate your investment in our community and your adherence to the planning standards of the Town of Southampton," the email said. "Should you require any assistance, clarification regarding the settlement steps, or further details concerning your project file, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative offices at 631-287-5735. Sincerely, (REDACTED TOWN OFFICIAL'S NAME) (REDACTED POSITION HELD BY OFFICIAL).

"Neither the Town of Southampton, the department of land management in Southampton Town, nor any of any of its departments, issues invoices that solicit a wire transfer payment," police said. "The Southampton Town Police Department is requesting the public to be hyper aware of this activity."

Anyone who receives a suspicious e-mail is asked to report it to the Southampton Town Police Department at 631-728-3400.

Southampton Town Police detectives are actively investigating the incidents and request anyone with information contact the Southampton Town Police Department's detective division at 631-702-2230.