FBI Scam Alert for Planning Zoning & Building

Palm Beach County's Planning, Zoning and Building Department (PZB) is alerting residents, contractors and businesses about phishing emails impersonating county staff.

According to the FBI, criminals are using publicly available permit information to send emails that appear legitimate - sometimes including real property addresses, permit numbers and officials' names.

Important:

PZB will never ask that payments be made via email, wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency.

Red Flags

• Email does not end in .gov
• Urgent demand for payment
• Instructions to reply by email for payment details
• Requests for wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency

If you receive a suspicious message requesting payment:

Do not send payment

Verify the request by calling 561-233-5001

Report suspected scams to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

If you have questions about PZB fees or payments, call 561-233-5001.