Fraud Alert: Scam Emails Impersonating Town Boards and Officials

Town of Charlestown – Public Notice


Fraud Alert: Scam Emails Impersonating Town Boards and Officials

The Town of Charlestown has been made aware of fraudulent emails currently being sent to residents that falsely appear to come from Town boards, officials, or departments — including the Zoning Board of Review. These messages are part of a widespread scam affecting municipalities across Rhode Island.

These scam emails are designed to look official and may reference zoning applications, permits, invoices, or approvals. In many cases, they attempt to pressure recipients into sending payment, providing sensitive information, or replying urgently in order to “complete” a Town process.

These messages are not legitimate and are not sent by the Town of Charlestown.

How to recognize these scams

Scam messages often include:

  • Requests for payment by wire transfer, or electronic invoice
  • A request to reply directly to the email for payment instructions
  • Language that creates urgency or pressure to act quickly

The Town does not request payments, banking information, or signatures through unsolicited emails.

How to verify legitimate Town communications

If you receive a message claiming to be from a Town department or board:

  • Do not reply to the email
  • Do not click any links or open attachments
  • Contact the Town directly using phone numbers or email addresses listed on the official Town website at https://charlestownri.gov/departments

You may also forward suspicious emails to the Town for review.

If you believe you have been targeted

If you have received one of these messages or believe you may have responded to one:

  • Contact the Town immediately
  • Monitor your financial accounts
  • Report the incident to local law enforcement  

The Town is actively working to educate the public, Town boards, and staff about these scams and to ensure residents know how to verify legitimate communications. Public notices will continue to be posted as needed.

Charlestown remains committed to protecting residents and maintaining the integrity of Town operations.