Authorities in Chatham County, North Carolina, are warning residents about a scam targeting people seeking assistance from the county's Planning Department.
Customers who have submitted rezoning and major subdivision applications are receiving fraudulent emails requesting Bank transfers for the payment of alleged permit application fees.
Authorities warned that people posing as employees, but not legitimate ones, are the ones sending these emails.
What the public needs to know to protect themselves
- The only valid way to pay Chatham County permit fees, other than in person at the Planning Office, is through the official OpenGov permitting portal at: chathamcountync.portal.opengov.com
- Those with questions can verify any payment request by logging into their OpenGov account using the link provided above or by contacting Planning staff directly.
- Do not send any payments, click on links, or open attachments from suspicious or unexpected emails.
- If you receive one of these fraudulent messages, you should immediately report it to Planning staff and not provide any payment.
- People who need to confirm if a communication is legitimate can contact the Planning Department at 919-542-8204 or visit 80 A East Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
Related: Warning issued about the use of artificial intelligence in financial scams
Where to report
Contact the Chatham County Sheriff's Office to file a report if you were a victim of this scam.
You can find more information about this scam and about the Chatham County Planning Department at: chathamcountync.gov
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