SCAM ALERT

This is an UPDATE to the previous SCAM ALERT Press Release issued by Mendocino County Planning and Building Services dated April 28, 2026. The original Press Release is located below this update for further reference. 

On August 24, 2026, the Department of Planning and Building Services (“Department”) received a new report that a new scam email is being sent to applicants. The emails claim to be from the Department’s Interim Director, Richard Angley, and require that additional funds be paid in order to continue processing a permit. Similar to the previous email scam, the new emails request that correspondence only be continued via email and that the recipient reply to the email to request wire transfer instructions to submit the requested funds. This scam continues to be part of a nationwide scam that has been targeting local and county planning departments. 

Key indicators that you have received a scam email include:

• The sending email is from the email domain of @usa.com. The emails the Department has seen are specifically from angleyr-mendocinocounty.gov@usa.com

Note: All official county emails are received from email addresses with the email domain of @mendocinocounty.gov

• The email requests wire transfer.

Note: The Department does not offer wire transfer as a form of payment.

• The email requests that you correspond only via email.

Note: The Department offers numerous forms of communication including phone calls, emails and in-person visits.

• The email references an incorrect address for the Fort Bragg office of 120 West Fir St, Fort Bragg.

Note: The correct address for the Department’s Fort Bragg office is 752 Franklin St, Fort Bragg.

The Department continues to encourage all individuals who are unsure if an email received is fraudulent to please contact our office via telephone to ensure the validity of the email. If you receive a scam email, do not open attachments, report the email to your email service provider as spam, and delete the email.

A copy of the previous Press Release regarding a similar scam is located below: