For Speedy Launch
April 3, 2026
The FBI is warning the public a couple of phishing rip-off by criminals impersonating metropolis and county officers to solicit fraudulent funds for native authorities planning and zoning purposes and permits. Criminals use publicly accessible software and allow info to establish potential victims and make the communications seem respectable. Victims are instructed to pay invoices for charges associated to their purposes and permits and directed to make funds by way of wire switch, peer-to-peer cost, or cryptocurrency.
The Metropolis of Madison is conscious of fraudulent emails circulating regionally that falsely declare to return from the Metropolis of Madison Planning Division Director, or different workers from Planning or Zoning. When this rip-off emerged final yr, the Metropolis posted warnings on key webpages associated to improvement and supplied particulars relating to respectable cost strategies when purposes are submitted for assessment by metropolis boards and commissions. Moreover, applicant e mail addresses have been redacted on sure paperwork posted on-line.
Methods to guard your self
Examine the e-mail handle intently
The Metropolis of Madison will at all times ship emails from a “@cityofmadison.com” handle. In case you get an e mail from some other area, it’s fraudulent.
Paying allow charges
The Metropolis of Madison by no means requests funds by way of wire switch or with cryptocurrency. Please confirm the publicly listed telephone quantity and mailing handle for Metropolis companies.
Respectable allow charges might be paid:
- On-line, by the Metropolis of Madison’s official Licenses & Permits portal
- In-person at Metropolis workplaces
- With a test by way of the mail
- By bank card over the telephone
Independently confirm
When you have any questions concerning the legitimacy of a request for cost, or the standing of an software’s approval, please attain out on to the Metropolis company dealing with your software.
