FARGO — Fargo city officials are warning residents about a fraudulent email that is impersonating a local official and targeting people with a bogus raffle permit request.
What the city says
The scam email purports to be sent by the Fargo Planning Commission chair and references a raffle permit application. The city emphasized the permit process is handled by the City Auditor’s Office, not the Planning Commission. Residents who receive the message are urged not to reply, click any links, open attachments or send money or personal information.
“Residents should be aware that scammers frequently change their tactics and may use different email addresses, phone numbers, text messages or other methods to impersonate City officials or departments,” the city said in its release. “Email addresses and sender names are sometimes manipulated to appear legitimate.”
Immediate steps residents should take
- Do not respond to the email, click links or open attachments.
- Do not provide money, bank information or personal details in response to the message.
- Verify any request independently by using contact information on fargond.gov or by calling official phone numbers.
- If you have already shared information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493.
The city cautioned that scammers often alter email addresses and sender names to look authentic. It recommended residents confirm any suspicious communications through the city’s official website or contact forms rather than relying on information inside the questionable email.
Who handles raffle permits — quick reference
| Item | Correct office | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Raffle permits | City Auditor’s Office | Contact via fargond.gov or published phone numbers |
| Planning Commission inquiries | Planning Commission | Verify meeting agendas and contacts on city website |
Local officials did not release the scam email addresses being used, but reiterated that fraudsters may switch addresses, phone numbers or texting methods quickly. If you receive a message that appears to come from the city but seems out of character — for example, requesting payment or sensitive data — take the extra step to confirm via the official website or the Auditor’s Office.
Reporting scams promptly helps the city and law enforcement track patterns and warn other residents. For immediate police response or to file a report, call the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493.
News Block will update this item with any additional guidance or official statements from city offices as they become available.
