Another Scam Warning Issued To Minnesotans

Scam alert! You are probably used to these by now, especially considering how many scams there are these days. It's crazy how it seems like there is really a scam for everything and they just keep coming.

In fact, just this week, we are being warned about a vehicle scam in Minnesota. With this scam happening in our neck of the woods, it could definitely happen anywhere, including Wisconsin.

This scam has to do with the cloning of VIN numbers on vehicles. People will purchase a used vehicle, spend a ton of money and end up being scammed. It's a very expensive scam to fall victim too.

Now, there's yet another scam you should be aware of in Minnesota. It's not happening in the Northland but it's not too far away so it's really only a matter of time.

The City Of Sartell Warns About New Zoning / Planning Scam

Sartell Public Safety officials took to social media yesterday (March 18th) to warn locals about a scam going on in the area. Like I said, if there is a scam happening somewhere in the state, it could easily pop up anywhere.

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According to their post, locals have reported a new email scam that appears to be from the City. I will say - it does look pretty official so I don't blame anyone for thinking so. The emails have to do with building permits, along with zoning or planning notifications.

The post includes a screenshot of the fake scam and while there are some punctual errors, it does look more legitimate than some. It begins by stating that it is just a notice of a permit pulled for your area. However, the city will not notify you if your surrounding property owners submit a permit so this is a red flag.

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It also includes a fake permit number, address and even a map. All of these things make it look real at first glance. Another red flag? Notifications only come through something called the 'Our Community Connect' or through the mail from an official address. City officials never handle business like this via email.

As a somewhat new homeowner, I can say that there is so much that goes into a house and documents and emails that it's definitely a learning curve. I might have fallen for this!

It's hard to say what the end game is here or what scammers are trying to get out of this. It's likely they would ask for payment or something in the future or for personal information. Either way, spread the word and be alert whenever you get an email. Sigh.