BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Palm Beach County’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department (PZB) is sounding the alarm over a sophisticated phishing scam targeting local residents, contractors, and business owners. Criminals are impersonating county officials to solicit fraudulent payments for permits and development applications. These deceptive emails often look remarkably legitimate, featuring accurate property addresses, real case numbers, and even official government logos to trick unsuspecting victims into paying fake”processing fees.”
According to PZB Executive Director Whitney Carroll, the department will never request payments via email through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Cash App.
“Payments can only be made through the secure payment portal on our website or in person at our offices located at the Vista Center in West Palm Beach,” Carroll said.
The scam mirrors a broader warning recently issued by the FBI, which highlights how fraudsters use high-pressure tactics to exploit the complex nature of local building and zoning requirements.
To stay safe, the FBI and local officials advise looking for several key “red flags.” These include emails sent from non-government domains—specifically any address that does not end in.gov—and the use of urgent or threatening language regarding project delays. Legitimate government invoices will not ask you to reply directly to an email for payment instructions, nor will they steer you toward untraceable payment methods.
Authorities are urging anyone who receives a suspicious request or has concerns about a pending fee to verify the information directly with the county. You can contact the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department at 561-233-5001 or visit their official website to ensure your transactions are handled through authorized channels.
