Planning and Zoning Phishing Scam

The City is warning residents, property owners, businesses and applicants to be alert for a phishing scam involving fraudulent emails related to planning and zoning permits.

FBI reporting shows criminals are impersonating government officials in fraudulent emails designed to look like legitimate planning and zoning communications. These messages may include real property addresses, application or case numbers and the names of actual public officials in an effort to appear credible.

The emails typically request payment for supposed permit-related fees and may direct recipients to pay by wire transfer, cryptocurrency or peer-to-peer payment apps. In some cases, the messages include attached invoices and create a false sense of urgency by warning of delays or other problems if payment is not made immediately.

What to Watch For
Scam emails may:

• Include accurate details about a property, project or permit application
• Use professional language, formatting and logos that resemble official government communications
• Come from email addresses that appear similar to a government address but use non-government domains
• Pressure recipients to act quickly to avoid delays in the permitting process

How to protect yourself
To avoid this scam:

• Do not assume an email is legitimate just because it includes official-looking names, seals or formatting
• Carefully check the sender’s email address and domain
• Only respond to planning invoice emails sent from an official City email address ending in @ggcity.org
• Verify any outstanding fees directly with the agency using a phone number or website you look up independently
• Be aware the City of Garden Grove will never ask you to wire money

What to do if you receive a suspicious email
Do not reply, click links or send payment. Contact the City of Garden Grove Planning Services Division at (714) 741-5312 or visit the Planning Services counter at Garden Grove City Hall – First Floor, 11222 Acacia Parkway, Garden Grove.