Email Scam (Phishing Attempt)

The FBI is warning the public about a new phishing scheme. In this scheme, scammers pretend to be city officials requesting payments for planning and zoning permits. The scammers use permit information that is publicly available to make the scam look more legitimate. Victims of this scam have been identified nationwide.

The City is aware of phishing emails that request payment for some City applications and permits. These include land use requests, subdivisions, landmarks, and zoning permits. The emails typically request payments via wire transfer. The emails appear to come from City of Madison Planning or Zoning.

The City of Madison will always send emails from "@cityofmadison.com". If you get an email from any other domain, it is fraudulent. If you aren't sure if a request for payment is legitimate, contact the department you are working with directly.