Monroe Police Warn Residents of Email Scam Posing as City Permit Requests
MONROE, WISCONSIN — The Monroe Police Department is alerting residents to a new scam targeting individuals who recently applied for city permits. Officials say fraudulent emails have been circulating that appear to come from the City of Monroe, complete with the city’s official logo and formatting.
The scam, first detected in late October, uses realistic-looking messages that request payment via wire transfer under the guise of processing fees or permit approvals.
Fake Emails Use City Branding to Trick Applicants
According to police, the scam messages are being sent to people who have submitted legitimate permit applications through city channels. The emails closely mimic the city’s actual communications and may even include partial copies of legitimate addresses — often with extra characters added at the end.
“The fraudulent emails appear authentic, using the city’s logo and format to create a false sense of legitimacy,” Monroe officials said.
Recipients are asked to “reply for payment details” or transfer money electronically — a red flag, authorities say.
Officials Urge Residents to Verify and Report
City leaders stress that while some municipal permits can indeed be obtained via email, the city never requires upfront payment via wire transfer. The official process includes multiple secure payment options, and all details are provided directly by city staff or verified platforms.
Monroe Police are urging anyone who receives suspicious messages to avoid clicking links or replying and to verify legitimacy by contacting Monroe City Hall directly at 608-329-2500.
“If something feels off — even slightly — it’s best to confirm before sending money or personal information,” police advised.
Growing Trend of Local Government Impersonation Scams
The warning follows a broader rise in cyber scams targeting small municipalities across Wisconsin, where attackers exploit trust in local government systems. By impersonating permit or utility offices, scammers often trick residents into sharing personal data or making fraudulent payments.
Monroe officials say they are reviewing email security measures and plan to notify all recent permit applicants about the ongoing threat.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and spread awareness to prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.
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