REDMOND, Ore. — The Redmond Area Park and Recreation District (RAPRD) announced this week that a significant amount of funds intended for a vendor working on the new community recreation center was stolen in a vendor impersonation scam. The fraudulent transfer, which totaled nearly $500,000, was carried out by a criminal who posed as a legitimate vendor, gaining access to the vendor’s email system.

RAPRD Executive Director Katie Hammer revealed that the initial transfer amounted to approximately $495,000, of which roughly one-third has been recovered so far. The remaining stolen funds are still being pursued by authorities. Hammer emphasized that the theft involved a hack of the vendor’s email system and not a security breach within the park district’s systems.

Despite the financial loss, Hammer reassured the public that the theft would not affect the timeline or financing of the new community recreation center. The project remains on schedule to open in early 2026. “The theft will not impact the project’s progress,” Hammer stated, adding that recovery efforts for the remaining funds are ongoing.

RAPRD declined to identify the affected vendor, and further details about the scam have not been released. The district’s next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, where additional updates on the situation may be provided.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks of cyber fraud and the importance of safeguarding sensitive financial communications.