FBI Phishing Scam Alert: Ogallala Permit Applicants Targeted

The FBI is warning Ogallala residents about a phishing scheme in which scammers impersonate city and county officials to demand fraudulent permit payments.

Criminals use publicly available permit information to identify targets, then contact individuals and businesses who recently applied for or received permits. They request payment via email, text, or phone call, often demanding wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

City officials never demand immediate payment for permits through unsolicited communications. Residents who receive suspicious payment requests should verify the contact directly with the Ogallala City Offices using official phone numbers or by visiting in person. Do not click links in suspicious emails or provide financial information to unverified callers.

Report phishing attempts to the Ogallala City Offices. The scam has affected victims nationwide, though no confirmed cases have been reported locally.