- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Hermiston Today
By the People, for the People
Hermiston Warns of Fraudulent Invoice Scam Targeting City Contractors
Scammers are sending fake invoices that appear to be from the city, prompting officials to urge caution when receiving unexpected payment requests.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:00am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The city of Hermiston is alerting residents, businesses, and contractors about a scam involving fraudulent invoices sent to individuals doing business with the city. Scammers are reviewing public records to identify people with projects before the city, then sending fake invoices that appear to be associated with city permits or planning-related fees. The city is urging caution and verification before making any payments.
Why it matters
This scam targets individuals and businesses that are actively working with the city, potentially costing them thousands in fraudulent payments. It highlights the need for vigilance when receiving unexpected invoices, especially from government entities, to avoid falling victim to such deceptive practices.
The details
According to the city, scammers are sending fake invoices that include the city logo and line items for planning application review, zoning compliance, legal fees, and public notice documentation. In a recent example, an individual with a project before the city planning commission received an invoice for $5,750 that did not actually come from the city. The city is urging anyone who receives a suspicious invoice to verify its legitimacy with the appropriate city department before making any payments.
- On March 15, 2026, the city of Hermiston issued a press release about the fraudulent invoice scam.
The players
City of Hermiston
The local government of Hermiston, Oregon, which is warning the public about a scam involving fraudulent invoices sent to individuals doing business with the city.
Byron Smith
The Hermiston City Manager, who stated in the press release that the city is committed to transparency and helping the public avoid scams.
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, contractors, and others doing business with the city are encouraged to verify any unexpected payment requests directly with the City of Hermiston before submitting payment.
The takeaway
This scam highlights the importance of scrutinizing all invoices and payment requests, especially those claiming to be from government entities. By verifying the legitimacy of such requests, individuals and businesses can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes targeting those with active projects or dealings with the city.
