04/12/2026
⚠️ Marin County Scam Alert: If You've Applied for a Permit, Read This
The FBI is warning about a nationwide phishing scam that has reached Marin County, targeting homeowners and businesses who have recently applied for building permits or planning applications.
Here's how it works: Scammers pull your information from public permit portals (your address, application number, zoning info) and send you a convincing fake invoice asking you to pay fees via wire transfer, Venmo-style apps, or cryptocurrency. The emails can look surprisingly official — complete with logos, seals, and professional formatting.
Red flags to watch for:
🚩 The email comes from a non-government address (like .com instead of .gov)
🚩 You're told to email — not call — for payment instructions
🚩 There's urgency: "Pay now or face delays"
🚩 Unusual payment methods like wire transfer or crypto
What to do: Always call your city or county office directly — using the number on the official website, not the one in the email — to verify any fees before paying.
This is especially important to share with older family members who may be navigating the permitting process and are less familiar with these tactics. When in doubt, call — never pay from an email alone.
If you think you've been targeted, report it at 👉 www.ic3.gov
Share this post to help protect your neighbors. 💙
Criminals use public permit information to trick residents into sending fraudulent payments to fake government accounts.