FBI warns of phishing scams impersonating city officials for permit fees

The FBI is alerting the public to a rise in phishing attacks where scammers impersonate U.S. city and county officials to defraud individuals and businesses seeking planning and zoning permits. These fraudulent schemes leverage publicly available information to appear legitimate, aiming to trick victims into sending payments for non-existent fees, as reported by Security Affairs.

The phishing campaigns target those applying for land-use permits, using details like property addresses, case numbers, and official names to lend credibility. Scammers send emails that mimic official communications, often including convincing PDF invoices with itemized charges. They direct victims to request payment instructions via email, discouraging direct verification, and threaten delays in the permitting process if payment is not made promptly. Payment methods requested include wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps, and cryptocurrency. While sender email addresses may resemble official domains, they originate from non-government sources.

The FBI advises individuals to always scrutinize sender email addresses and verify any requested fees directly with city or county offices through official websites or phone numbers. The public is also encouraged to report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Source: Security Affairs