Yorktown warns of scam targeting planning and zoning applicants

YORKTOWN, N.Y. — The Town of Yorktown is alerting residents and businesses about a scam targeting individuals with applications pending before the Planning and Zoning Boards. Scammers are impersonating town officials to request fraudulent application fee payments via wire transfer. 

According to a March 27 press release, town staff town staff recently received reports from two applicants on the March 24 Planning Board agenda who were targeted by this scam. These individuals received fraudulent emails requesting wire transfer payments, with the sender impersonating Planning Director John Tegeder. 

Officials emphasize that Yorktown never requests payment via wire transfer. Any applicant receiving such an email should immediately disregard it. 

“Town officials are taking this matter very seriously and they have reported the incident to the appropriate authorities,” the release said.  

To protect themselves, applicants should verify the sender’s email address, as official emails from Yorktown staff end with @yorktownny.gov. They should avoid responding to wire transfer requests since the town does not accept this payment method. Any fee requests should be confirmed directly by contacting the Planning Department at 914-962-6565, and applicants can obtain the official fee schedule from the department as well. 

The town reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and applicants from fraud. Officials said community members how have received a suspicious email related to application fees should report it directly to the Yorktown Police Department at 914-962-4141.