KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) City officials are sounding the alarm over an email scam targeting Keene residents and businesses with fake invoices for permit fees.

The scam, which city officials say is becoming more sophisticated, involves fraudulent emails disguised to look like they’re from the City of Keene. The messages claim recipients owe money for permits or application fees related to development projects. In some cases, the emails include real-sounding project details to make the request appear legitimate.

The City’s Community Development Department says the phony emails may include telltale red flags like odd-looking sender addresses, spelling or grammar issues, and suspicious links. Some messages also attempt to pressure recipients by using urgent or threatening language.

Officials are urging people not to respond to or click on anything in these emails and instead confirm any payment request by contacting the city directly through contact information listed on the official city website: www.KeeneNH.gov.

City staff warned this kind of scam can easily trip up even savvy individuals and is asking everyone to take a moment and double-check before acting on any email that claims to be from them.

Anyone with questions or who suspects they’ve received a fraudulent message is encouraged to call the Community Development Department at 352-5440.