Santa Rosa County recovers over $629K after business email scam

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. ( WKRG ) — In April, the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners fell victim to a “sophisticated business email compromise scam,” transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to a fraudulent account.

According to a news release from the Santa Rosa County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, over $629,000 has been returned to the county.

According to Tim Weekley with the Santa Rosa County Clerk’s office, $852,983.06 was sent to the fraudulent account.

The release said Milton police are investigating the scam with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.

“A person of interest has been identified in another state and law enforcement is seeking to make contact with them at this time,” the release said.

The county clerk of court is tightening its procedures, reportedly working with PaymentWorks “to enhance their payment security measures.”

News 5 has learned that PaymentWorks will soon be responsible for all vendor verification before payment and will reimburse the county clerk of court and board of commissioners for up to $2 million per transaction.

The release said Santa Rosa County Clerk Don Spencer tightened vendor payment methods, including stopping all electronic payments and only using check payments for a period.

“With the recent cybersecurity attacks involving Ascension Sacred Heart , the City of Pensacola , the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, and this particular vendor, it’s clear that criminals are looking to victimize non-profits, governmental agencies, and those who do business with them,” Spencer said.

“Partnering with PaymentWorks gives us an extra layer of protection when making electronic payments. It also protects the county’s vendors from the kind of fraud that occurred.”

This investigation is ongoing.

News 5 will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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