Scam Alert: City of Bend warns public about email ‘phishing’ scam involving city permit payments

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The city of Bend is warning about a recent "phishing" scam involving emails sent to people regarding city permit payments.

Here's the details, as the city posted to social media late last week:

What You Need to Know

• Phishing messages may reference real permit numbers or application details.

• Messages may request payment for invoices, fees, or unexpected charges.

• Some messages direct recipients to fake websites or request sensitive information.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify the sender’s email address. Official City communications will only come from addresses ending in @bendoregon.gov.

• Do not click links or open attachments from suspicious or unexpected messages.

• Be suspicious of any request funds. City of Bend will never request payment by wire transfer or urgent, unconventional means. The City of Bend will only ever request payments either in person at City Hall or through the Permit Center Portal.

• Log in to the official City permitting system directly instead of using email links.

• Contact Customer Service if you are unsure whether a request is legitimate.

If You Have Already Responded or Made a Payment

• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to report the transaction as fraudulent.

• Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov.

• Save all related emails, messages, and payment confirmations.

• Monitor your accounts and consider fraud alerts or credit freezes if information was shared.

The city urged anyone with questions or concerns to contact their Customer Service team at (541) 388-5580, extension 1, or email permitcenter@bendoregon.gov