FBI warns of zoning permit fee scams
The messages often sound very convincing. typical Fake email scam They may look like the ones below. In many cases, scammers already know details about the property or permit application. This makes the email feel real and urgent.
Unfortunately, once victims send money, the money usually disappears.
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Be aware of fraudulent emails claiming your data has been stolen
A new zoning permit scam targets people applying for building approvals, often using fake invoices, rushed deadlines and official-sounding language. (Ilya Novellaj/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
How Zoning Permit Phishing Works
According to the FBI, criminals begin by collecting publicly available information about zoning applications and development permits. Much of this information is available through city and county government websites. Once the scammers find a target, they send an email pretending to come from the local planning or zoning department. The email may include the following:
- Property address
- Zoning or permit application number
- References to the scheduled hearing
- Assumed permit fee invoice
The letter often claims that payment should be made quickly to avoid delays in the permit approval process. Victims are then asked to send money using bank transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are difficult to track and difficult to recover.
Why do phishing emails look so convincing?
This scam works because it exploits a real process that many home and business owners are already dealing with. Planning approvals Zoning permits and building applications Often includes fees and official correspondence. When a message comes in that mentions your property or project, it sounds legitimate. Criminals also time their messages carefully. Some phishing emails arrive shortly after applicants receive genuine contact from their local planning department.
The FBI says another red flag is the email address. Many messages come from domains that appear official but are not government domains. For example, scammers may use addresses ending in @usa.com or other non-government domains.
The FBI is warning homebuilders, renovators and landlords about phishing scams that use false zoning and permitting emails to steal money. (Roof8/Getty Images)
Red flags that indicate a zoning permit scam
The FBI says several warning signs often appear in these phishing messages.
- First, the sender’s email address cannot end in a legitimate .gov domain.
- Second, the message may include an attachment asking you to request additional details by replying to the email.
- Third, the letter may create urgency by claiming that your permit will be delayed unless payment is made promptly.
- Finally, the email may request payment through unusual methods such as bank transfers, peer-to-peer applications, or cryptocurrency.
Legitimate government offices rarely request permit payments in this manner.
This type of government impersonation is on the rise
Impersonating government officials has become a popular tactic for scammers. In recent years, the FBI has warned of criminals posing as law enforcement agents, federal officials, and even employees of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
In one reported case, scammers contacted fraud victims and claimed they could help recover lost funds. The criminals pretended to work for the FBI. The office also warned against using criminals Deepfake audio generated by artificial intelligence To impersonate government officials in voice phishing attacks. These charts show how quickly scammers can adapt their tactics.
How to stay safe from zoning permit scams
The FBI shared several warnings about this scam. Here are practical steps you can take Protect yourself.
1) Verify the sender
Check the email address carefully. Official government communications usually come from a .gov specialization.
2) Confirm the fees directly
Contact your city or county planning department using the phone number listed on the official website.
3) Never rush to pay
Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take time to verify any request for money.
4) Avoid unusual payment methods
Government agencies rarely require payment through bank transfers, peer-to-peer applications, or cryptocurrency.
FBI email hack shows why you should shut down your technology
The FBI says fake Planning Department emails trick property owners into sending permit payments through wire transfers, apps and cryptocurrency. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
5) Reduce your public data exposure
Scammers often collect details from public records, real estate listings, and data broker websites to make their messages appear legitimate. Using a data removal service can help Remove your personal information From many of these databases and reduce the chances of criminals targeting you with highly customized scams.
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6) Be careful with attachments and links
Unexpected files or payment instructions can indicate phishing. Do not click on any links or download attachments until you are sure the message is legitimate.
7) Use strong antivirus protection
Powerful antivirus software can detect phishing links, malicious downloads, and suspicious websites before they compromise your device. Good security software can also warn you if you try to visit a known scam page. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2026 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS at Cyberguy.com
8) Report suspicious messages
If you receive a fraudulent email, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Providing details such as the email address used, date of the message, and payment amount requested can help investigators track down criminals.
Key takeaways for Kurt
Building permits and zoning approvals already involve paperwork, deadlines, and fees. Scammers know this. They exploit the process to create messages that look authentic. A quick moment of verification can make the difference between moving forward with your project and losing thousands of dollars to criminals. The more landlords, developers and businesses understand how these scams work, the harder it will be for criminals to succeed. So, next time an email asks for a permit fee, pause before paying.
If a letter arrives regarding your property asking for immediate payment, do you know how to tell if the letter is coming from your local government or a scammer? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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