National Alert: Permit Fee Phishing Scam Continues

Continuing Alert: FBI Warning on Nationwide Phishing Scam

The FBI is warning the public about a nationwide phishing scam in which criminals impersonate city and county planning or zoning officials to request fraudulent payments for permit fees.

For more details, visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation PSA.

Summary

Scammers are using publicly available permit information—such as property addresses, application numbers, and the names of officials—to send convincing emails that appear legitimate. These emails may include professional formatting, detailed permit information, and attached invoices requesting payment via wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment services, or cryptocurrency.  Messages often emphasize urgency and warn that delays in payment could affect the permitting process.

Please take the following precautions:

• Do not assume an email is legitimate based on letterhead, logos, or official names.
• Verify the sender’s email address and domain carefully.
• Do not send money via wire transfer. Permit Sonoma does not accept payment via wire transfer and any attempt to pay fees using this mechanism should be considered fraudulent.
• Confirm any payment requests by contacting the County office directly at (707) 565-1900 or via email at PermitSonoma@SonomaCounty.gov. More info can be found on our website. 

If you believe you have received a fraudulent message or have been a victim of this scam, report it Permit Sonoma and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Please include any relevant email details and payment information.