SANDPOINT — The city issued a warning to developers and applicants working with the Planning Division of a phishing attempt impersonating a city account.

In a Thursday press release, Sandpoint officials said that an email with fake invoice documentation and request for a $4,800 wire transfer payment was sent to a customer with a project under review. The city said that the customer brought the invoice to city staff before paying and, as such, no financial losses took place. 

The city said it will never request payment via wire transfer, and that staff are taking steps to safeguard applicants’ data. These actions include reducing how much applicant contact information is exposed, redacting sensitive information from public webpages and reviewing the city’s digital security measures. 

“Customers and members of the public are urged to exercise caution with unsolicited emails requesting payment or sensitive information,” city officials said. “If you receive a suspicious message or invoice that appears to come from the city, please contact City Hall directly before taking any action.”