Red Hook warns of fake emails demanding wire transfers for permits

The Town of Red Hook announced Oct. 6 that it has become aware of fraudulent emails being sent to property owners and applicants that falsely claim to be from the town regarding planning, zoning, building permit or other land use applications.

According to the announcement, the emails may appear legitimate and often include accurate property information, application details or names of town officials. They may request payment by wire transfer or ask recipients to reply for payment instructions. The town said these emails are not from the Town of Red Hook.

The town listed several warning signs: a request for payment by wire transfer, instructions to reply for payment information, use of an email address that is not an official town address, a sense of urgency tied to approval, or a demand that all communication happen only by email.

The town stated it will never request wire transfer payments for permit or application fees, send payment instructions from unofficial email addresses, require applicants to communicate only by email, or ask for proof of a wire transfer to complete an application.

Residents who receive a questionable email about a permit, zoning matter or planning application were told not to send money or reply, and instead to contact the appropriate town office using the phone number or email listed on the town's official website to verify the request.

The town also asked anyone who believes they received a fraudulent email impersonating Red Hook to report it, saying this helps warn other residents and applicants and may assist law enforcement investigating fraudulent activity. All residents, property owners, contractors and applicants were encouraged to remain vigilant and verify unexpected payment requests before taking action.

Source: Town of Red Hook announcement, October 28, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.