Fwd: Fraudulent Emails Targeting Developers
Lawrence Shing
From: Community Development <Community....@mountainview.gov>
Date: Mon, Jul 20, 2026, 12:32 PM
Subject: Fraudulent Emails Targeting Developers
To: shing...@gmail.com <shing...@gmail.com>
NOTICE: Active phishing scam targeting individuals with planning applications
The City of Mountain View has been made aware of phishing scams targeting individuals or organizations involved in planning, building, and development.
Cybercriminals are targeting planning project applicants, requesting wire transfers for planning projects. As an example, recent suspicious emails originate from the email address, community.developme...@usa.com, which is not affiliated with the City of Mountain View. Phishing emails, from suspicious email addresses like this one, are designed to appear as official City communications and can come from other email domains.
The City does not request wire transfers for payment of fees. If you receive an email from the City requesting money or a wire transfer, please contact the City directly. The City Directory is available on the MountainView.gov website (https://www.mountainview.gov/services/city-services/contact-us).
Here are a few tips for spotting a fraudulent email:
- Requests payment via wire transfer, payment apps, or cryptocurrency
- Creates urgency by threatening delays to your permit if you do not pay immediately
- Directs you to respond by email only or by calling a non-City associated number.
The City urges all residents and business owners to exercise caution and confirm the legitimacy of any unexpected payment requests with City staff using official contact information.
For more information: https://www.mountainview.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1344/