COVID Invoice State of New Jersey 1

[spieng89]

Has anyone else here recently applied for a NJ PE license by comity or 1st time application during these last few months. I submitted an application few months back, took awhile to show up in their system which is understandable given COVID. But now I received a random email from reviewer (email has a .gov email address) with an invoice labeled as "COVID Invoice" for $80.00 and a place to put credit card information. Seems very random and there was nothing in email besides "Complete and send back thanks".

Of course it's a bear trying to get anyone on the phone. Just wanted to check in with others to see if they have experienced a similar situation with the State of New Jersey or is this a well planned scam utilizing a .gov domain email address.

 

[JLNJ]

Sounds like a scam.

 

[BrianPetersen]

Scam. Scrutinize the return email address carefully. Even if it looks correct, the account may be hijacked.

 

[3DDave]

Look at the e-mail header to see the actual origin and reply-to. Also note that other language encodings can look a lot like English letters, but match far different addresses.

 

[r13]

I don't know any government agency will ask/collect personal information through email or phone call. Usually they advise you not to.

 

[1503-44]

File a complaint here

https://www.fcc.gov/complaints

Reality used to affect the way we thought. Now we somehow believe that what we think affects reality.

 

[dauwerda]

Definitely a scam. I have had a few state boards (Colorado and Michigan I believe) send out emails warning people that this has been happening the last few months.

 

[rb1957]

ask the guy if the email is legit ?

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[IRstuff]

It's interesting that it's so targeted to your PE licensure; that's pretty obscure for most people. It's possible someone in the licensing office is selling your information to the scammer.

You should contact the licensing authority about this, since it's obviously an inside job.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

faq731-376 forum1529 Entire Forum list

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[PEinc]

NJ State Board of PE & LS
Phone: (973) 504-6460
Fax: (973) 273-8020

http://www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov

PE license renewal notice comes from the NJ Office of the Attorney General, Phone: (973) 273-8001
Try Calling the NJ AG office?

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[spieng89]

Thanks for the feedback from all. I've called the attorney general's office but haven't been able to get through to department for this answer. I'm thinking it's a scam as well that either employee had the email hacked or the employee themselves is doing something illegal. Twentytwo, I plan to file a complaint just so that if their email was hacked they will become aware. Thanks again, I've been trying to get this license for awhile but COVID has slowed the process haha and now created another loop

 

[PEinc]

spieng89, if you work for a corporation, get ready for NJ's requirements for a corporation certificate of authority, a certificate of authorization, yearly income tax filing, and you will need a company agent in NJ. Also, NJ does not allow use of a reproducible PE seal or stamp. Submittals need to be sealed with an embossing seal (i.e., plans, calcs, and reports need to be crimped).

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[Kuhladula]

PEinc, NJ passed a law back in 2015 that allows for stamps to be submitted electronically.

https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/alerts/pdfs/engr elec seal.pdf

 

[PEinc]

Thanks, but I'm not a fan of electronic signatures.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[r13]

Electronic seal is reliable if you don't give out your password for convenience. It is handy when you have too many drawings to be stamped in a short amount of time.

 

[PEinc]

I agree, but my projects usually have relatively few plan sheets. And, I don't want any more passwords!

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[r13]

Yes, agree that password sucks. I keep mine on a list that update whenever there is a change. It defeats the advocated good practice, but so far so good