Phishing Scams Targeting Land Use and Permit Applicants

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City of Newberg Warns Residents of Phishing Scams Targeting Land Use and Permit Applicants
August 20, 2026an email phishing scam with realistic details requesting a wire transfer and payment receipt

(NEWBERG, OR) – The City of Newberg is alerting residents, property owners, and potential applicants to phishing scams targeting individuals who have submitted land use, permitting, or development applications with the City. Scammers are sending fraudulent emails that impersonate City staff and demand payment for “approval fees” or other costs tied to fake invoices or application updates.

These emails are convincing. They often include real applicant names, accurate details about pending projects, and language that mimics official City correspondence, including staff titles and department names. The scam emails ask recipients to reply for wire transfer instruction and to send proof of payment once the transfer is complete.

The City of Newberg does not ask applicants to pay fees through email correspondence or wire transfer. Fees are collected through the City’s online payment portal called OpenGov or by check delivered or mailed to Newberg City Hall (PO Box 970, Newberg, OR 97132). City staff will never request payment information or wire receipts by email.

How to protect yourself:
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails requesting payment for permit or application fees, even if they appear to be signed by a city employee or reference real project details.
  • Never wire funds to pay for City fees.
  • Verify any request by calling the Community Development Department directly using the phone number listed on the City’s website, not a number provided in the email.
  • Check the sender’s email address closely. Scammers often use addresses that closely resemble, but do not exactly match, official City Domains.
  • If you’ve received a suspicious email, do not click links or provide any financial information.
If you believe you have received a phishing email regarding City business, or if you have already responded to one:
  • Contact the Newberg Community Development Department at (503)537-1240 or planning@newbergoregon.gov to verify your application status.
  • Report the email directly to the Newberg-Dundee Police Department’s non-emergency line at 503-538-8321
  • If you have already sent money, contact your bank immediately and file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
The City takes the security of its residents seriously and will continue working to investigate these scams. Updates will be shared through the City’s website and social media channels as more information becomes available.

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