FBI Warns: AI Scammers Impersonate City Officials

An emerging phishing scam, amplified by AI, is specifically targeting seniors by impersonating city and county planning officials. Criminals gather publicly available information about zoning applications and development permits to craft convincing emails. These messages often include personal project details, creating a sense of urgency and legitimacy.

Victims are instructed to pay fake permit fees rapidly to avoid project delays. Scammers commonly request payment through wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency, which are difficult to trace and recover. The FBI advises vigilance, noting that legitimate government offices rarely request payments in such ways.

Key indicators of this scam include unofficial email domains and requests for payment via untraceable methods. The FBI urges the public to verify any such requests by directly contacting the relevant city or county planning department using official contact information. Reporting these fraudulent emails to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) can aid investigators.

This scam exploits the genuine processes of obtaining building permits and zoning approvals, which inherently involve paperwork, deadlines, and fees. By understanding these tactics and exercising caution, property owners and businesses can better protect themselves from losing significant sums of money.