Auburn officials are warning residents, property owners, contractors, and businesses about a phishing scam targeting people involved in planning, zoning, and building permit applications.
According to the city, scammers are sending emails that appear to be from city or county planning, zoning, or code enforcement staff to collect fraudulent payments for permits and development applications.
Officials say the emails can look convincing, often including the names of local government employees and board members, property addresses, permit or case numbers, and even official-looking logos and document templates.
City Manager Jennifer Haines emphasized that the city does not accept electronic payments for planning, zoning, or building permit matters.
“Payments can only be made by check or money order through the U.S. Postal Service or in person at City Hall,” Haines said. “The City of Auburn and its personnel will never request payments through email using wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency.”
The city advises residents to be cautious of emails sent from non-government email addresses, particularly those that create a sense of urgency or threaten delays, penalties, or other consequences if payment is not made immediately. Other warning signs include invoices directing recipients to request payment instructions by email and requests for payment through wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
Anyone with questions about permit fees or payment procedures is encouraged to contact the City of Auburn Office of Code Enforcement at 315-255-4111.
The warning comes as the Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to track similar scams nationwide. The FBI recently issued a public service announcement alerting the public to criminals impersonating city and county officials in phishing emails related to planning and zoning permits.
Anyone who believes they have received a fraudulent email or may have been victimized by the scam is encouraged to file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
