(Algona)--The city of Algona has issued a scam alert.

According to a news release, fraudulent emails from scammers posing as City of Algona staff have been recently received by area residents. The emails requested payments related to site plan applications and board of adjustment applications.

Residents are advised emails from the City of Algona will not come from a Gmail account, or other free email services such as Yahoo or Hotmail. Emails from staff at City Hall will be from an address ending in @algonaiowa.gov.

The City of Algona does not utilize email billing or request payments through a wire transfer. Online payments are available for Algona Recreation Department activities and park shelters, but those payments would be completed on the website platform and not as an email request. Payment requests, building permits, nuisance abatements and other communication that would require a payment are typically sent in the mail or handled in person and would not be sent via email or text message.

Residents are urged to stop by city hall or call 515-295-2411 to confirm any emails or requests from the City of Algona that seem suspicious.