The City of Dover is warning residents, contractors, and businesses about a targeted email scam involving fraudulent requests for permit-related payments.

City officials have received reports of individuals and companies receiving emails that appear to come from the City’s Planning and Community Development Department. These messages reference real projects, including property addresses, application details, and permit types, and request payment of fees to advance the approval process. In some cases, the emails include attachments resembling official invoices and use the names of actual City staff.

This scam is part of a broader nationwide trend. The FBI recently issued an alert warning that criminals are impersonating local government officials to solicit fraudulent payments tied to planning and zoning permits. These scams often rely on publicly available information to make the messages appear legitimate and may target individuals or businesses with active permit applications....more