(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The City of Manitou Springs has issued a renewed warning to people and businesses in the city as more reports of emails impersonating City officials have surfaced.

The fraudulent emails pose as Planning Director Fred Rollenhagen and contain false permit approvals, asking the recipients to send payments for “administrative fees.”

“City officials emphasize that no City department will ever solicit payment via unofficial channels or demand payment without first providing clear verification procedures,” the City of Manitou Springs said in an official statement.

The release also offered these tips to protect yourself from fraud:

Verify all permit or payment-related messages by contacting the Planning Department directly at 719-685-4398 or by visiting City Hall at 606 Manitou Avenue.

Do not delete suspicious emails. Retain them as evidence.

Do not send payment or disclose information unless you have verified the source.

Official City emails will only come from addresses ending in “@manitouspringsco.gov.”

Report new incidents or concerns immediately to the Public Information Officer at [email protected] or 719-306-2884.

If you have been a victim of this scam, please report it to the Manitou Springs Police Department by calling 719-390-5555.