The City of Tukwila is warning residents and permit applicants about fraudulent emails that falsely appear to come from city offices and attempt to collect payment for fake permit fees.
According to the city, the scam emails include references to entities such as “Planning Department Jackson County” and may contain attached invoices or links requesting payment for permit related charges.
City officials said the fraudulent messages are designed to appear legitimate by using city branding, permit language and references to planning department processes.
The city released the following photos of the scam emails and invoices to help residents identify warning signs:
One fraudulent email referenced a “Settlement of Application Review and Approval Fee for Permit L25 0161” and directed recipients to request wire transfer instructions through email.
Officials emphasized that legitimate city emails would come from an official “@TukwilaWA.gov” email address and not from unrelated or suspicious accounts.
Please be aware:
- The City does NOT send permit fee invoices through email attachments.
- Permit-related payments should only be made through the City’s official permit portal or in person at City Hall.
- Do NOT click on suspicious links or submit payment through unsolicited emails.
“If you receive one of these emails, please do not respond or provide payment information,” the city said.
The City of Tukwila said notices have been posted on the city website and that applicants with currently open permits are being contacted directly to raise awareness about the scam.
Residents who receive suspicious permit related emails are asked to forward them to Permits@TukwilaWA.gov.
“Please help us spread the word to protect others from potential fraud,” the city added.
