LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) is warning residents of a scam involving fraudulent emails requesting payment of “Application Review and Approval Fees” to the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission.

The Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) has received reports of fraudulent emails claiming to be from the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission. These messages reference specific properties or projects, indicating that an application has been reviewed and is ready for approval pending payment of a fee, and directs recipients to reply for wire transfer instructions and submit payment to proceed.

The emails originate from non–St. Mary’s County Government email addresses, including “Dept.St.Marys.County_Commission@usa.com”. Official communications from St. Mary’s County Government will always come from an address ending in “@stmaryscountymd.gov”.

These emails are fraudulent and are not associated with St. Mary’s County Government, LUGM, or the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission.

Residents who receive this type of message should disregard it. If you have questions about fees or payments related to your project or application, contact the Department of Land Use & Growth Management directly to verify.

Individuals who believe they have been targeted and have sent payment should contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008 to report.

For more information on SMCG programs and operations, visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates