Hermiston Warns Public About Fraudulent Invoice Scam

City officials alert residents, businesses, and contractors to beware of fake invoices claiming to be from the city.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:05pm

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The City of Hermiston is warning the public about a scam involving fraudulent invoices sent to individuals and businesses with projects before the city. Scammers are reviewing public documents to identify potential targets, then sending fake invoices that appear to be associated with city permits or planning-related fees. The city is urging residents, developers, and contractors to verify the legitimacy of any unexpected payment requests before submitting any money.

Why it matters

This scam targets individuals and businesses that are actively working with the city, taking advantage of publicly available information to appear legitimate. Falling for these fake invoices could result in significant financial losses for unsuspecting victims. The city is proactively alerting the public to raise awareness and help prevent people from becoming victims of this fraud.

The details

In a recent example, an individual with a project before the Hermiston Planning Commission received an invoice with the city logo, requesting $5,750 in fees. The invoice included line items for planning application review, zoning compliance, legal review, and public notice. However, the invoice was not issued by the City of Hermiston and came from an unaffiliated account.

  • On March 16, 2026, the City of Hermiston issued a public warning about the fraudulent invoice scam.

The players

City of Hermiston

The local government of Hermiston, Oregon, which is alerting residents and businesses about a scam involving fake invoices.

Byron Smith

The Hermiston City Manager, who stated the city is committed to transparency and helping the public avoid scams.

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What they’re saying

“The City of Hermiston is committed to transparency and helping the public avoid scams like this. Our staff are always available to answer questions and verify legitimate City communications. If you receive an invoice or request for payment that you're unsure about, please contact us before taking any action.”

— Byron Smith, Hermiston City Manager

What’s next

Residents, developers, and contractors are encouraged to contact Hermiston City Hall immediately if they receive a suspicious invoice claiming to be from the city, in order to verify the legitimacy of the request.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the source of any unexpected payment requests, especially when dealing with government agencies or public projects. By being vigilant and contacting the city directly, individuals and businesses can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.