The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is reporting a zoning scam in the area.
According to the department, the scammers are targeting individuals who recently submitted zoning applications in the county.
They pose as Stephens County Board of Commissioners members as well as County Administrator Christian Hamilton and Planning Commission member Cody Cobb.
They request that applicants pay additional fees before their application can be “fully processed.”
Reports SCSO have gotten indicate the scam goes back to August of this year, although few have fallen for it.
“All zoning fees are paid for at the time the application is submitted. We will never tell you to communicate via email, ask for a wire transfer, etc.,” Hamilton said. “Application fees are $100 for rezoning, $50 for variance, and $50 for conditional use.”
SCSO added any emails from the county government will always end with “stephenscountyga.gov.”
Officials tell residents to call them at (706) 886-2525 or their non-emergency line at (706) 779-3911 if anyone receives the scam.
