It’s not just ignorant consumers who are being scammed these days. There’s a new scam targeting more sophisticated companies – in this case, real estate developers and anyone applying for zoning permits or variances. Scammers are posing as local planning department staff with alarming accuracy, and cities across the country are sounding the alarm.
The sophistication of this scam makes it dangerous. These are not emails from the Nigerian prince; they point to your actual project number, your actual rezoning request, and come right when you expect to hear from the city.–Steve Rhode
How the scheduling staff impersonation scam works
Here’s what makes this scam particularly effective: the fraudsters do their homework.
- My publicly available planning commission agendas and meeting minutes
- Identify upcoming applications with the applicant’s contact information
- Ensure that fraudulent emails coincide with official government communications
- Reference real project numbers, addresses and repurposing details
- Request payment by bank transfer: always by email, never by telephone
Because planning commission agendas are public records, scammers can easily find the names of applicants, their projects and when decisions are scheduled. They then create emails that look legitimate because they contain accurate information about your actual application.
Cities already affected
This is not a theoretical threat. Several cities have already issued warnings after residents and businesses were targeted:
$9,800+Asked in Piqua, OH
- Bay County, FL — Residents warned about scammers posing as planning staff
- Douglas County, Nevada — A public alert has been issued regarding fraudulent reimbursement claims
- Johnson City, Tenn — Confirmed targeting of destination requesters
- Piqua, Ohio – Scammers demanded more than $9,800 as “city compensation”
Red flags to look out for
- Reimbursement requests are received exclusively by e-mail: no phone call, no official letter
- Payment must only be made by bank transfer
- Urgent language that puts pressure on immediate payment
- The email address domain does not exactly match the official city domain
- You have never heard of the specific fee being asked
Real government agencies do not require wire transfers via email. That’s not how permit fees work. If someone pressures you to transfer money immediately to avoid delays on your project, it is a scam.
Why business scams are on the rise
Debt is math wrapped in emotions – and scammers know that entrepreneurs feel the same pressure as consumers, just on a larger scale. When you’ve invested months in a development project and are waiting for zoning approval, an email threatening delays hits the same fear buttons that collection agencies exploit.
How to protect yourself
- Independently verify: Call your scheduling department at the number on their official website, not the number in the email
- Check the email domain: Official emails come from official government domains, not Gmail or the like
- Know your rate schedule: Legitimate permit fees are published; Ask for the tariff code or regulation reference
- Never transfer money based solely on an email: Real agencies accept multiple payment methods and send official invoices
- Report suspicious emails: Forward it to your local planning department and file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you have already transferred money to scammers:
- Contact your bank immediately—Transfers can sometimes be reversed if caught quickly
- Report it to the police with your local law enforcement agency
- Report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). at ic3.gov
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Notify your local planning department so they can warn others
Key Takeaways
- Scammers pose as local planning staff using real project data from public records
- They demand bogus ‘approval fees’ via bank transfer – always by email only, never by phone
- Several cities (FL, NV, TN, OH) have confirmed they are targeting zoning applications
- Real government agencies do not require wire transfers via email
- Always check reimbursement claims by calling the official number on your city’s website
Frequently asked questions
How do scammers get real project data for their fake emails?
Planning commission agendas, meeting minutes and permit applications are public records. Scammers collect applicant names, project addresses, and case numbers in these documents and then create emails that appear legitimate because they contain accurate information about your actual application.
Why do the scammers insist on wire transfers only?
Transfers are almost impossible to undo once they are completed. Unlike credit card payments or checks, bank transfers transfer funds immediately, leaving the recipient largely untraceable. That’s why legitimate government agencies accept multiple payment methods and never pressure you into wire transfers.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious payment request email?
Don’t click on any links or reply to the email. Instead, independently look up your local planning department’s phone number on their official website and call to verify. Report the suspicious email to your scheduling department and forward it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Can companies be targets of scams just like individual consumers?
Absolute. Business email scams (BEC) cost organizations billions annually. Developers, contractors and anyone dealing with permits and government approvals are attractive targets because they expect to pay fees and are motivated to avoid project delays.
How can I verify that a reimbursement request is legitimate?
Call your planning department at the phone number listed on your city or county’s official website, not the number provided in the email. Ask for the specific tariff code, regulation reference or invoice number. Legitimate fees are published in fee schedules that you can view online or in person.
(Source: JD Supra) (Source: WJHG Bay County) (Source: Dayton Daily News)
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