Learn how to spot scammers that are targeting homeowners with fake permit fee emails during construction projects.
This week’s scam targets people who are working on home construction projects. You receive an email that claims you must pay a permit fee immediately to avoid delays with your project. The email looks real, and may even include a case number or your home address. It instructs you to pay the permit fee immediately via wire transfer, payment apps such as Venmo or Zelle, or cryptocurrency.
But you don’t actually owe any money, because this email is a scam! Scammers use public information, like your address and the names of local officials, to make their fake emails look real. Because the email arrives while you are working on a real home project, it is easy to think it is legitimate. If you follow the payment instructions, you are giving your money directly to the scammers!
Tips to Stay Safe
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
- Don’t assume that an email is real just because it looks official. Scammers can use publicly available information to make their phishing emails even more convincing.
- Legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
- If you receive an unexpected invoice from what appears to be the city or county government, do not use the contact information in the email. Instead, call the agency using the official phone number listed on their website to verify any fees.
Stop. Look. Think. And don’t be fooled.
Tips of the Week Brought to You By Our Partners at KnowBe4
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