BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham residents who recently applied for permits are being warned about an uptick in scammers.

My Bellingham Now previously reported on the city’s initial recognition of the AI-generated scams in April.

Some impacted applicants received emails demanding payment in order for their permits to move forward.

The emails contained personal details taken directly from the permit applications, and appear to come from addresses similar to official city correspondence.

City officials are reminding people that the only way they accept payment is through their eTRAKiT system.

If you receive a similar email, you’re urged to not click on any links and to contact the city’s Permit Center as soon as possible.