Full Notification

The Town of North Castle and the North Castle Police Department are warning residents about a scam to steal money from residents and businesses who may have applications pending before the Planning Board. In the scam, the victim receives a fake invoice via e-mail, purportedly from the Town of North Castle, along with a letter demanding payment in order to complete an application before the Planning Board. To make the correspondence look legitimate, the scammers have collected correct information from public sources, including the names of town employees and the correct names and addresses of North Castle residents.
 
Residents are advised that the North Castle Planning Department does not accept payment by wire and that all communication will come from official staff e-mail addresses. 
 
Anyone who has received one of these fraudulent invoices is advised to contact the North Castle Police Department.  All suspicious invoices should be verified by calling the North Castle Planning Department directly at (914) 273-3000 ext. 43. 
 
Tips for Identifying a Scam:
When receiving phone calls, texts or email, consider this:
1. How are you being told to pay?     
Legitimate businesses will NEVER demand crypto, gift cards, or cash via transfer apps to settle a debt! Hang up or delete!
2. Are you being threatened?
Legitimate businesses will NEVER threaten arrest or deportation if you don’t pay them. Neither will the government. If they do, they’re lying!
3. Is it urgent? Emotional?
Scammers use urgency and panic while making victims believe they or a family member will be harmed financially if they don’t act immediately. It’s a scam!
4. Don’t trust your caller ID!
Scammers can make any name or number show up on your caller ID. That’s called spoofing!
5. Phishing: Don’t take the bait!
Phishing is when you get emails, texts, or calls that seem to be from companies or people you know. But they’re actually from scammers. They want you to click on a link or give personal information (like a password) so that they can steal your money or identity, and maybe get access to your computer.
 
Please discuss this topic with family members, friends, and neighbors. A common part of the identity theft scam ruse is the victim is instructed not to tell anyone about the incident. Part of the discussion you have with those close to you should involve the need to resist the pressure from the scammer to act immediately! Establish a network for yourself and those around you that may be vulnerable to these scams so they have a plan.   

Helpful Identity Theft Resources:

Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft and Online Security

Better Business Bureau: 10 Steps to Avoid Scams

If you have any questions, or would like to report an incident that has occurred, please contact the North Castle Police Department at 914-273-9500.  You can also stop in to the Police Department at 15 Bedford Road, Armonk