A 'Convincing' Scam Is Targeting Property Owners, Businesses, Lower Merion Police Warn

LOWER MERION, PA — Lower Merion Police warned residents of a "convincing" email scam targeting property owners and businesses.

Scammers are impersonating planning and zoning officials at the municipal and county levels and sending emails seeking payments for building, zoning and land-use permits.

"These messages can look convincing and may include real project details, permit numbers, official names, government-style logos, and fake invoices," police said.

Earlier this year, Lower Merion officials warned of one of these schemes. A township resident received a scam email with an invoice claiming they owed $4,800 to the township's Building Regulations Division.

This tactic goes far beyond Lower Merion. In March, the FBI issued a warning about an "emerging phishing scheme" involving scammers impersonating local and county officials to seek fraudulent payments for planning and zoning permits.

"The criminals leverage publicly available permit information to identify potential victims and increase the legitimacy of the scam," the FBI said. "Victims of this scam have been identified nationwide."

Here's how to protect yourself if you receive one of these emails:

• Don't assume the email is legitimate even if it has town- or county-government letterhead, seals or correct information.
• Verify the sender's email address to make sure it matches the official government domain. (Lower Merion Townships's website is lowermerion.org, and Montgomery County's is montgomerycountypa.gov).
• Directly contact the town or county office using the phone number using the phone number listed on their official government website to confirm any fees.
• Check the town or county website for notices about any ongoing impersonation fees.