FBI Warning About Phishing Scam

Federal Bureau of Investigation (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: FBI Public Service Announcement (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.

How the Scam Works

Fraudulent emails may:

• Reference real permit applications or property information
• Appear to come from a local government agency or employee
• Include invoices or payment instructions
• Request payment through wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment services
• Claim that immediate payment is required to avoid delays, penalties, or permit suspension
• These messages are designed to create urgency and pressure recipients into acting quickly.

Important Reminder

Permit Sonoma does not accept permit fee payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment services such as Venmo or Pay Pal. Any request to pay permit fees using these payment mechanisms should be considered fraudulent.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not assume an email is legitimate based on logos, letterhead, or official names.
• Carefully review the sender’s email address and website domain. Often one letter is slightly different (e.g. somonacounty.gov (emphasis added)).
• Be cautious of urgent payment requests or threats regarding permit delays.
• Never send money through wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps unless independently verified. Permit Sonoma does not accept these payment methods. Any attempt to collect permit fees in this way should be considered fraudulent.

If you receive a suspicious message related to permits or fees, please contact Permit Sonoma directly to confirm payment.

• Phone: (707) 565-1900
• Email: PermitSonoma@SonomaCounty.gov

Reporting Fraud

If you believe you have received a fraudulent email or may have been a victim of this scam, please do the following:

• Report the incident to Permit Sonoma (contact information above).
• File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

When reporting, include any relevant email addresses, invoices, payment instructions, screenshots, or transaction information if available.

For more information about this public service announcement, visit: FBI Public Service Announcement