FBI Phishing Alert Issued As Scammers Use Real Permit Data To Solicit Fake Fees

It has only been a week since the National Consumers League shared its annual report detailing how phishing is one the most common forms of fraud reported by Americans, and now the FBI has issued a warning regarding a new phishing tactic. The agency says that criminals are leveraging publicly available information to fool victims into paying bogus fees.

This form of fraud targets individuals and businesses who have applied for land-use permits, which are usually made available to the public. Because the information is so readily available, it allows criminals to craft convincing e-mails using information such as case numbers and property information. This, paired with professional looking e-mails that contain language someone seeking a permit expects, makes it a serious threat.

Victims receive e-mails requesting payment for fees associated with these permits from criminals masquerading as officials from the city or county. Moreover, these e-mails contain payment instructions ...