MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — The City of Manitou Springs says they are investigating recent incidents in which individuals impersonate staff through fraudulent email correspondence.
The emails, which they say have been reported by two community members, falsely claim to be from Planning Director Fred Rollenhagen and include fabricated information about permit approvals and payment instructions.
One of the emails referenced a Major Temporary Use Permit and directed the community member to request an invoice and submit payment to maintain business operations.
The city says while the email appeared legitimate, and included references to city processes, it was not generated from an employee.
According to the city, in response, they have notified their IT and network services provider to assess and secure communication systems. Staff are also reviewing the incidents for any legal implications and will coordinate with authorities as needed.
To protect yourself and your business, the city urges community members to do the following:
- Verify all permit or payment-related communications by contacting the City of Manitou Springs Planning Department at (719)685-4398 or by visiting City Hall at 606 Manitou Avenue.
- Do not delete any suspicious emails. Retain them as evidence in case they are needed for investigation.
- Do not send any form of payment or disclose sensitive information unless the request has been verified through official channels.
- Emails from City staff will only come from addresses ending in @manitouspringsco.gov.
- Report any suspected impersonation attempts or fraudulent correspondence immediately to the City’s Public Information Officer at (719)306-2884 or pio@manitouspringsco.gov.
The city says they are taking this incident seriously and are committed to protecting community members from fraud.
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