Fake Planning Board Emails Seek Thousands in Fraudulent Fees: Fanwood Police
Patricia Chen · Union County Life
The Fanwood Police Department is warning residents about a scam involving fraudulent emails that impersonate the Borough's Planning Board and demand payment for bogus planning fees.
According to Captain Dan Kranz, scammers have been targeting Fanwood residents who hold active construction permits. The fraudulent emails appear to be official Planning Board correspondence and request payment of $4,800 in alleged planning board fees.
How the Scam Works
The fraudulent invoices use the Borough of Fanwood Planning Board's name and address. They include an itemized list of fabricated charges, such as application review, zoning compliance, legal fees, and public notification costs. The emails instruct recipients to wire money to an account "upon receipt" and ask them to email a copy of the payment confirmation.
Residents should be aware that official Planning Board correspondence would not request wire transfers or demand immediate payment without proper notification through established channels.
What to Do if You Receive These Emails
Fanwood Police urge residents not to send money or respond to suspicious emails. Residents who receive one of these messages should:
Do not send money or respond to the sender. Report the email immediately to the Fanwood Police Department. Delete the email. Verify any requests for payment by contacting the Borough directly using official phone numbers or email addresses—not the contact information contained in the suspicious email.
If You Have Already Responded
Residents who have already responded to one of the emails or wired money should take immediate action: Notify their bank immediately. Contact the Fanwood Police Department immediately. Report the incident to help police investigators track the scam.
Police Investigation
Captain Kranz stated that the Fanwood Police Department is working with information technology partners to identify those responsible for the scam. However, he noted that locating and prosecuting the culprits could be difficult because many of these scams originate overseas.
Police are also investigating how scammers obtained the contact information of construction permit holders. This indicates potential data access issues that may require follow-up security measures.
Union County Life reminds residents that government agencies do not typically request wire transfers or demand immediate payment via email. Verify requests through official channels before taking any action.
FAQ
Q: What is the Fanwood Planning Board email scam?
A: Scammers are sending emails that appear to come from the Borough of Fanwood Planning Board, requesting $4,800 in bogus planning board fees. The emails target residents with active construction permits and instruct them to wire money to an account.
Q: How can I identify the fraudulent emails?
A: The scam emails use the Planning Board's name and address, include itemized charges (application review, zoning compliance, legal fees, public notification), and request wire transfer payment "upon receipt." Official Planning Board correspondence would not request wire transfers or demand immediate payment via email.
Q: Who is being targeted?
A: The scam specifically targets Fanwood residents who have active construction permits.
Q: What should I do if I receive one of these emails?
A: Do not send money or respond. Report the email to the Fanwood Police Department immediately. Delete the email. If you receive a request for payment, verify it by contacting the Borough directly using official phone numbers or email addresses, not the contact information in the suspicious email.
Q: What if I already wired money to the scammers?
A: Contact your bank immediately to report the fraudulent transfer. Then contact the Fanwood Police Department and report the incident to help police investigators track the scam.
Q: How are the scammers obtaining resident contact information?
A: Police are investigating how scammers obtained the contact information of construction permit holders. Residents should be alert to potential data access issues.
Q: Is the Fanwood Police Department investigating?
A: Yes. Captain Dan Kranz stated that police are working with IT partners to identify those responsible. However, locating and prosecuting scammers can be difficult because many operate overseas.
Q: Who should I contact to report this scam?
A: Contact the Fanwood Police Department to report receiving the fraudulent emails or to report that you have already responded or sent money.
