What Is the Update?

On or around June 10, 2024, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) was advised of fraudulent letters that were circulating titled “EPA Notice of Violation Letters.” The letters were signed by an individual(s) impersonating an EPA official and were sent to regulated facilities requesting payments of $25,000 within three (3) business days of receipt of the letter. The payments were requests for “penalty demands” for certain environmental violations.

Since the letters were circulated, the EPA’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) has been notified. The OIG provided the following information for targeted facilities below.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Protect Myself?

For any facilities that suspect they have received a fraudulent letter, please take the following steps:

1. Do not pay the requested payment;
2. Report to the EPA; and
3. Reach out to the Koley Jessen environmental team for any questions or concerns.

Where Do I Report This Information?

Reporting facilities should report their information to the following contacts:

1. EPA’s OIG’s email: Hotline@epa.gov
2. EPA’s OIG’s hotline phone number: 1-888-546-8740

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