In December 2025, the Prescott Police Department was alerted to a fraudulent invoice falsely represented as originating from the City of Prescott Planning Department. The invoice was sent to a local business that had applied for a conditional use permit and requested payment be sent by wire transfer to an email address not associated with the City of Prescott. Fortunately, the business attempted to submit payment through City Hall and learned the invoice was fraudulent.
The City of Prescott and the Prescott Police Department are now aware of two such fraudulent invoices sent to residents who applied for permits and believe additional invoices may have been distributed. The fraudulent invoices were investigated by Prescott Police Department detectives, who determined the email address listed on the invoice was linked to a user in Nigeria. Further investigation revealed the use of multiple alias email addresses connected to the same individual. These findings indicate the suspect has committed, or attempted to commit, similar fraud schemes using a consistent method while impersonating planning departments across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. Detectives are in the process of notifying other municipalities that may have been impacted. The investigation has been referred to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
The Prescott Police Department urges residents and businesses to carefully review invoices received by email and reminds the community that the City of Prescott does not request payment by wire transfer. If you have any questions or concerns about the legitimacy of an invoice, please contact City Hall to verify. Suspected fraudulent invoices should be reported to the Prescott Police Department.
For questions and information contact Danielle Trotter, Public Engagement Manager at 928.777.1401 Ext. 4804 | danielle.trotter@prescott-az.gov
