Like many communities, the City of Minnetonka is warning residents of scams from criminals impersonating city officials.

Individuals and businesses with active land-use applications and permits are being targeted by criminals impersonating city staff, fraudulently requesting fees associated with these permits. The city has also received reports of criminals targeting property owners contesting valuations at recent Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings.

Victims receive unsolicited emails citing their permit information, zoning application numbers and/or property addresses. They are instructed to pay invoices for fees related to their permits and directed to make payments via wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment or cryptocurrency.

While these scams are not unique to Minnetonka, the city has seen an increase in scam activity, and residents should be aware and remain vigilant.

Common scam indicators

• Email addresses from usernames from non-governmental domains (e.g., @usa.com).
• Include specific employee names and titles.
• Contain detailed, accurate information and timed to coincide with legitimate project milestones (e.g., council meetings).
• Include fake, itemized invoices requesting payment via email.
• Emphasize urgency and threaten delays if the applicant does not immediately render payment.

Reminders

• The city will never ask for payment via PayPal or other wire transfer, gift card or other electronic methods.
• The City of Minnetonka requests payment in the form of check delivered to city hall, in-person credit card payments or user-guided online payments through city approved portals, such as ePermits.
• If a request seems suspicious, do not respond, download attachments or click on any links.

If an email or call sounds questionable, call the city at 952-939-8200 to verify and report the scam.