KUNA, Idaho (CBS2) — A new scam targeting property owners and permit applicants is prompting a warning from the FBI, as criminals impersonate local government officials to collect fraudulent payments tied to planning and zoning permits.
The FBI said scammers are posing as city and county planning and zoning staff and sending emails requesting payments via wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
The messages can appear legitimate, the FBI warned. They may include real permit details such as property addresses or case numbers, and often attempt to discourage recipients from calling to verify the request…