The City of Galesburg is issuing a formal warning to residents and business owners regarding a sophisticated phishing scam targeting individuals with active building permits or zoning applications. Cybercriminals are currently impersonating City of Galesburg officials to solicit fraudulent payments. These emails often appear highly legitimate, containing specific details such as project addresses, case numbers, and the names of actual city staff.
How to Identify the Scam:
- The scam appears to target individuals with active planning and zoning applications or permits, who would legitimately be expecting communications from the City regarding their application or permit.
- Suspicious Sender Address: Scammers often use unofficial domains; however, some fraudulent emails may even clone city email addresses, so it appears to be coming from a legitimate city employee.
- Irregular Payment Methods: The City of Galesburg will never ask for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or mobile payment apps (like Venmo or Cash App). Payments for City of Galesburg permits or related planning and zoning items will only be accepted through the city’s official permit portal (https://galesburg.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/galesburg) or at the Community Development customer service counter located in Galesburg City Hall.
- False Urgency: Messages often create a false sense of urgency that payment is required to complete the processing of zoning applications or permits.
Before you pay, verify. If you receive a request for payment for building permits or zoning applications, do not click any links, open any attachments, or remit payment. Please independently initiate a conversation with verified city staff through one of the methods listed below before issuing payment.
- Call 309-345-3637
- Visit the Community Development Department, located on the second floor of Galesburg City Hall, 55 West Tompkins Street.
- Email Community Development staff directly through the secure online portal on the official City website.
Even if an email looks legitimate, please contact City staff directly; we are happy to verify any pending payments for building permits or zoning applications.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
