The City of Turlock and Turlock Police Department are alerting residents to a fraudulent email scheme targeting individuals involved in local planning projects.

Officials say scammers have impersonated Planning Division staff, referencing legitimate project details and requesting wire transfers. In one confirmed case, a victim was asked to send nearly $5,000 via a fake invoice and bank information.

Authorities emphasize that all official city emails end in @turlock.ca.us and that the Planning Division does not accept payments via wire, Zelle, or gift card. Payments are only accepted in person at City Hall or through the city’s secure online portal.

Anyone who receives a suspicious email is urged to contact the Planning Division at (209) 668-5640 or forward the message to planning@turlock.ca.us. Victims should also report fraudulent transactions to their bank and contact Turlock Police at (209) 668-1200.

The city and police department are actively investigating the scam.