Got a county 'invoice' demanding a wire transfer? It's a scam, Thurston County warns

If you've pulled a Thurston County permit lately, take a second look at any "invoice" that shows up in your inbox. Thurston County is warning residents about a new, stepped-up fraud attempt. Scammers posing as a county director are emailing permit customers fake invoices and demanding payment by wire transfer.

The tell. The county permitting office does accept electronic fund transfers, officials say, but it does not demand wire transfers for permitting services. The county explains that wire transfers are usually immediate and time-sensitive, carry higher fees, and can't be recalled or canceled once sent. That's why scammers like them.

What to do, according to the county:

• Got a call asking for payment? Hang up right away. Don't engage.
• Got an emailed invoice? Forward it to [email protected] to ask whether it's real, or verify it in person at a county office. If you're expecting a bill, contact the building and development permit office to confirm it.
• Already gave out information? Report it to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 360-704-2740.

The jury-duty version is still going around. The county's warning also covers a scam it first flagged last December. Callers claim you missed jury service, threaten arrest for "failure to appear," and demand bank or Social Security numbers, wire transfers or gift cards to "clear the warrant." The county says official jury communications come by mail, and no county employee will call demanding bank details or Social Security numbers over a missed summons. To check on your jury service, visit the county's website or call 360-754-4109.

In an April update, the county also said it doesn't call or email asking for payment for services. Most offices take payment in person when services are provided, or mail an invoice through the U.S. Postal Service.

If you get one of these calls or emails, reporting it to the Sheriff's Office helps protect your neighbors too.