Fake $5,960 fee targets Humboldt County well permit applicants

Humboldt County news released concerning a local scam - A message that knows about your well project can still be a scam. Humboldt County is warning applicants about emails demanding $5,960 before a permit can be issued.

The sender impersonates a senior Planning and Building Department official and asks recipients to reply for payment instructions. County officials say the claimed default application charge is fraudulent.

The county’s technology security team found no breach of its systems. Officials believe the scammers collected project details from publicly available state planning records.

Applicants should verify any questionable payment request directly with Planning and Building at 707-445-7541. Anyone targeted can report it to the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251.

The county says it will not request gift cards, prepaid money cards, large cash payments by mail, transfers to private accounts or credit card payments over the phone. A familiar name or accurate project information should not replace an independent check.

Sources

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office scam notice, November 6th, 2026.