City officials are warning residents about fraudulent emails targeting people who have applied for permits through Steamboat Springs’ Planning Department, according to a Thursday news release.  

According to the city, recent scams have involved messages designed to look like official correspondence, sometimes referencing real permit numbers or project details that are publicly available. The emails do not come from official “@steamboatsprings.net” addresses and may request payments through unofficial channels including email. 

The city emphasizes that all Planning Department fees must be paid only through the CityView online portal and will never be solicited by email or third-party services.  

Anyone who receives a suspicious message is advised to not click links or share any personal or financial information. Applicants can verify legitimate communication by contacting their project manager or calling the city’s planning department at 970-871-8258.  

Those who believe they have been victims of the scam are encouraged to report it to the Steamboat Springs Police Department at 970-879-4344. City officials said this week that no systems have been compromised and that efforts are ongoing to protect applicant information and prevent further fraud.