Scammers Target McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee Applicants

Fraudulent emails claim to be from Humboldt County, demand 'application review and approval fee'

Mar. 3, 2026 at 10:49pm

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The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning about a new online scam targeting people who have applied to serve on the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee (McKMAC). The scammers are sending fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Humboldt County Planning Commission, telling victims that their application has been approved and they must pay an 'application review and approval fee' to finalize the process. The county has confirmed this is a scam and does not charge any fees for serving on county boards or committees.

Why it matters

This scam specifically targets people who have shown interest in civic engagement by applying to serve on the McKMAC. It takes advantage of their desire to contribute to their community and could result in financial losses for victims. The scam also undermines public trust in local government by impersonating official county channels.

The details

The scammers appear to have gathered information from publicly available documents like Board of Supervisors meeting agendas to make their emails seem more legitimate. They provide instructions on how to wire funds to pay the fake 'application fee'. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam to report it immediately.

  • The scam was first reported to the Humboldt County Clerk of the Board's Office and Planning & Building Department in early 2026.

The players

Humboldt County Clerk of the Board's Office

The county office that oversees applications for serving on local boards and committees.

Humboldt County Planning & Building Department

The county department that works with local advisory committees like the McKMAC.

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the scam and urging victims to report incidents.

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What’s next

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is encouraging anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam to report the incident immediately by calling 707-445-7251.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the need for vigilance when dealing with unsolicited requests for personal information or payments, even if they appear to be from government sources. It's a good reminder to always verify the legitimacy of any such requests before providing any sensitive information or money.