Email Scam Bilks Tripp County For Over $800,000
- KVSH
- Jan 7
- 1 min read
KWYR - Tripp County State’s Attorney Zachary Pahlke and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announce an ongoing investigation into an email scam that led to the fraudulent transfer of $826,357 from the Tripp County government.
State’s Attorney Pahlke reports that on Oct. 15, 2025, the Tripp County Auditor’s Office was deceived into authorizing a transfer to a bank account controlled by external criminal actors. The perpetrators utilized a “spoofed” email address designed to mimic a legitimate vendor and redirect a substantial payment.
South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and federal partner agencies are currently investigating the incident. Because this is an active and ongoing criminal investigation, certain details must remain confidential to ensure investigators have the best possible chance of identifying the perpetrators and, if possible, recovering the funds.
“Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and consumers have to be vigilant,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Always verify. Call the company at its official telephone number.”
State’s Attorney Pahlke stated that Tripp County is now partnering with security experts to strengthen county administrative safeguards. He noted that updates to county protocols, combined with additional staff training, are designed to intercept and prevent fraudulent attempts and better protect the resources of Tripp County taxpayers.
Attorney General Jackley said consumers who are victims of a scam should call law enforcement or contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at consumerhelp@state.sd.us or 1-800-300-1986.
