Beware of Scam Invoice Emails

These fraudulent messages may appear official, using logos or language meant to look authentic, but they are not official.  These scams are particularly convincing because they use publicly available information and mirror the timing and language of legitimate City processes.  Please note, the City of Walnut Creek has no indication residents are experiencing an instance of this type of fraud.

When emails have been sent from fake email addresses, falsely claiming to be from a City or County, they generally include a fake invoice asking for payment.  

What to do if you receive something that looks like it's coming from the City or County but you are suspicious?  Do not respond.  You can always call the City at one of our verified contact numbers found on our website. 

• Suspicious language: Watch for spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent formatting. These are common clues that the email is not legitimate. 

• Unrecognized senders or links: Verify the sender’s email address carefully and avoid clicking links if anything looks unusual. 

While this scam is currently targeting applicants to City departments, similar techniques are used across many types of fraud. Reviewing these general warning signs can help you recognize and avoid scams in other contexts as well. Sharing this information helps protect our entire community.