RAPID CITY, S.D. — Pennington County officials are continuing to warn residents about fraudulent emails circulating in the area that falsely claim to come from the county’s Planning and Zoning Department.

According to county officials, the scam emails often include invoices and detailed instructions directing recipients to take action or submit payment. The communications are not legitimate and are not being sent by the Planning and Zoning Department.

County officials said reports of the fraudulent emails continue to be received, prompting the department to release an example of one of the reported scam invoices to help educate the public and prevent additional victims.

Planning and Zoning Director Brittney Hand said residents should remain vigilant when receiving unexpected emails that appear to come from county offices. Hand noted that anyone receiving an invoice or instructions from someone claiming to represent the department should not automatically assume the communication is legitimate and should instead contact the department directly to verify its authenticity before taking any action.

Officials emphasized that the Planning and Zoning Department does not routinely send invoices by email and that most payments and transactions are handled directly through the department’s office. Residents are encouraged to be especially cautious of emails requesting payment, directing them to click links, download attachments or follow instructions related to county services.

Pennington County is urging anyone who receives a suspicious email claiming to be from the Planning and Zoning Department to contact the office directly for verification.

An example of a reported fraudulent invoice has been released by the county for public awareness and educational purposes.