Email Phishing Scam Involving Planning and Zoning Applications and Permits - City of Madison, WI

Email Phishing Scam Involving Planning and Zoning Applications and Permits posted  April 3, 2026 – 2:25pm For Immediate Release  April 3, 2026  The FBI is warning the public (external) about a phishing scam by criminals impersonating city and county officials to solicit fraudulent payments for local government planning and zoning applications and permits. Criminals use publicly available application and permit information to identify potential victims and make the communications appear legitimate. Victims are instructed to pay invoices for fees related to their applications and permits and directed to make payments via wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment, or cryptocurrency.  The City of Madison is aware of fraudulent emails circulating locally that falsely claim to come from the City of Madison Planning Division Director, or other staff from Planning or Zoning. When this scam emerged last year, the City posted warnings on key webpages related to development and provided details regarding legitimate payment methods when applications are submitted for review by city boards and commissions. Additionally, applicant email addresses have been redacted on certain documents posted online.  Ways to protect yourself  Check the email address closely  The City of Madison will always send emails from a "@cityofmadison.com" address. If you get an email from any other domain, it is fraudulent.   Paying permit fees  The City of Madison never requests payments via wire transfer or with cryptocurrency. Please verify the publicly listed phone number and mailing address for City agencies.   Legitimate permit fees can be paid:  Online, through the City of Madison's official Licenses & Permits portal In-person at City offices  With a check via the mail  By credit card over the phone   Independently verify   If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a request for payment, or the status of an application's approval, please reach out directly to the City agency handling your application.   Contact information  Building Inspection & Zoning Schedule an appointment  Madison Municipal Building  215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Suite 017   Madison, WI 53703  608-266-4551 BInspection@cityofmadison.com  Planning Division  Madison Municipal Building  215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Suite 017   Madison, WI 53703  608-266-4635  planning@cityofmadison.com  Clerk's Office  Schedule an appointment (external)   City-County Building  210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Room 105  Madison, WI 53703  608-266-4601  clerk@cityofmadison.com  Departments: Clerk's Office, Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development, Building Inspection, Planning, Information Technology, Mayor's Office Was this page helpful to you? Yes No Get Email Updates Subscribe to the City of Madison News Releases email list. Email * required