Unauthorized Message Claiming to Represent the City of Carthage
The City of Carthage is notifying residents and business owners of a recent phishing email circulating under the name “City of Carthage Planning Commission.” This message is not legitimate and did not originate from any official City of Carthage department, employee, or email system.
The email falsely claims to be related to a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application and attempts to solicit payment through wire transfer instructions. No City department will ever request payment or personal financial information by replying to an unsolicited email.
Why This Email Is a Phishing Attempt
Several clear signs indicate that this message is fraudulent:
1. Suspicious Email Address
The sender appears as “City of Carthage Planning Commission,” but the actual email address ends in @usa.com, which is a free, public domain unrelated to the City.
All legitimate City of Carthage emails will use an official domain such as @carthagemo.gov.
2. Requests for Wire Transfers
The email instructs the recipient to:
Request wire transfer instructions
Complete payment through a wire
Send a payment receipt
The City does not use wire transfers for Planning & Development fees, permits, or applications. Any request of this nature is an immediate red flag.
3. Urgency
Phishing emails often include language to elicit a sense of urgency. Attackers create a false sense for immediate action to bypass a person’s rational decision making and to exploit fear or anxiety.
“Your account will be locked”
“Payment overdue”
“Payment must be remitted immediately”
The message displayed a sense of urgency when declaring “ensure your application proceeds without unnecessary delays, it is imperative that this invoice be settled promptly.”
4. Inaccurate Instructions on Communication
The email states that all communication must occur through the provided email for “auditing and recordkeeping.”
This is false. The City never restricts communication to a single email address and always provides multiple verified points of contact.
5. Unverified Attachments
Phishing emails frequently include attachments or links designed to steal information or install malware.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive an email that appears suspicious or unexpected:
Check the sender’s email domain — City staff will never use free public domains such as @gmail.com, @usa.com, @yahoo.com, etc.
Do not click links or open attachments unless you can verify the sender.
Do not send payment information or financial details in response to unsolicited emails.
Contact the City directly through published phone numbers or email addresses on carthagemo.gov if you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a message.
Report suspicious emails to the City’s administrative office so staff can investigate and issue alerts as needed.
Our Commitment to Your Security
The City of Carthage places high importance on protecting residents, businesses, and property owners from fraudulent activity. This notice is being issued to ensure transparency and help our community stay informed and protected.
Anyone who has received similar emails or has concerns should contact City Hall at 417-237-7000 or use the verified department emails listed on our website, carthagemo.gov.