{"id":122698,"date":"2025-09-03T15:24:26","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T19:24:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=122698"},"modified":"2025-09-04T09:21:29","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T13:21:29","slug":"allen-county-citizens-receive-scam-emails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2025\/09\/03\/allen-county-citizens-receive-scam-emails\/","title":{"rendered":"Allen County citizens receive scam emails"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Allen County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the Department of Planning Services, alerts citizens of a current email scam.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

News release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners:<\/p>\n

Allen County Citizens Receive Scam Emails<\/strong><\/p>\n

Allen County, Indiana (September 3, 2025) \u2013 The Allen County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the Department of Planning Services, alerts citizens of a current email scam.<\/p>\n

An email from \u201cplanning-commission.allencounty@usa.com\u201d is circulating to residents claiming that the recipient has had their project approved by the \u201cAllen County Planning Commission\u201d staff. The email goes on to request that the recipient email them back for wire transfer instructions to send a payment. This email is not from a legitimate Allen County email address. The Commissioners urge constituents to delete the email and not to respond.<\/p>\n

Executive Director of the Department of Planning Services Ben Roussel shared, \u201cWe are glad that people reached out to us to bring this issue to our attention and to ask if the email is legitimate. If something seems off, it probably is. The email claims that all correspondence must be conducted via email. This is not how we conduct business. Allen County residents may email, call, or stop in the office if they have concerns about a pending project or a suspicious email.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Department of Planning Services can be reached by calling 260-449-7607 or emailing at acfwdpspermitspecialists@allencounty.us. Their office is located on the first floor of the Citizens Square Building, 200 East Berry Street, Ste. 150, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Text of the scam email:<\/p>\n

From<\/strong>: “Planning Commission Allen County” \n

To<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Cc<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Sent<\/strong>: Wed, Sep 3, 2025 at 7:43 AM<\/p>\n

Subject<\/strong>: Application Review and Approval Fee \u2013 Settlement Required for Processing<\/p>\n

PLANNING COMMISSION
\nAllen County<\/strong>
\n200 East Berry St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802<\/p>\n

Dear Applicant,<\/p>\n

This correspondence is issued on behalf of the Allen County Planning Commission regarding your pending application for the proposed 960-square-foot shipping container home project. The application has undergone preliminary review by staff, and after careful evaluation, staff have recommended approval of the project.<\/p>\n

Your proposal demonstrates a forward-looking housing solution that emphasizes affordability, safety, sustainability, and modern living standards. The home\u2019s design\u2014comprising three bedrooms and two bathrooms\u2014offers an efficient and functional layout that maximizes both space and natural light. The permanent anchoring of the structure to a continuous poured concrete foundation with an elevated crawl space reflects appropriate construction practices for durability and moisture control. Additionally, the use of high-quality insulation, energy-efficient systems, and repurposed materials illustrates a commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising comfort or safety.<\/p>\n

While the project is positioned favorably for approval, the next procedural step requires the settlement of the attached invoice. This invoice represents the application review and approval fee associated with your case. The timely payment of this fee is essential to continue processing your application and to bring it before theCommission for final approval.<\/p>\n

To clarify the necessity of this fee, please note the following points:<\/p>\n