Authorities Urge Caution After Fake Invoice Scam Surfaces in Williams County North Dakota

Residents in Williston and around Williams County are being warned about a scam involving fraudulent invoices tied to land use applications.

County officials say scammers are impersonating staff from the county’s Planning and Zoning Division and sending out fake invoices to individuals regarding supposed real land use application fees. The messages appear legitimate but are not connected to the Williams County government.

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Williams County Officials Warn Residents About Fake Planning and Zoning Invoice Scam

According to officials, Williams County Planning and Zoning does not send invoices related to land use applications, making any request for payment through these messages a clear sign of fraud.

The scam came to light after county staff were alerted to suspicious communications being sent to area residents and property owners. Officials say the goal of the scam is to trick recipients into paying money for applications or permits that either don’t exist or that were never processed through the county.

Residents who receive an email or message requesting payment for a land use application are encouraged to verify the information before taking any action. Anyone who believes they may have received one of these fraudulent invoices should contact Williams County Planning and Zoning directly at 701-577-4565 to confirm whether the request is legitimate.

Authorities also want to hear from anyone who may have already responded to the scam. Whether someone received the message or mistakenly sent payment, they are encouraged to report the incident to the Williams County Sheriff's Office at 701-577-7700.

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Officials Urge Vigilance as Government Impersonation Scams Rise Nationwide

Officials say reporting these scams helps investigators track patterns and potentially identify those responsible.

Scams impersonating government offices have become increasingly common across the country, and local leaders are reminding residents to stay cautious when receiving unexpected requests for payment—especially those tied to permits, property, or government services.

People in Williston and throughout Williams County are encouraged to double-check any suspicious emails or invoices and contact the appropriate office directly before providing personal information or making any payments.