Scam emails posing as Greenwich Planning and Zoning staff are targeting residents with fake invoices and payment demands, the department warned in a public alert posted June 16.
The fraudulent messages come from email addresses that closely mimic official town domains. They may include fake invoices, requests for payment and references to legitimate-sounding permit applications. The department called the messages scams and urged residents to delete them immediately.
The alert, which the department still features prominently on its website, outlined three points residents should know. The town does not request payment after a decision has been made on an application. It never sends invoices by email for post-decision payments. And fees are collected only at the time an application is submitted.
Any email asking for money after a permit decision is a scam.
The department, led by Director Patrick LaRow, said legitimate town emails always end in @greenwichct.gov or @greenwichct.org. Residents can use that as a quick check before opening any message that claims to come from Town Hall.
Anyone who receives a suspicious email should not reply, click any links or open attachments, the alert said. Instead, residents should call the Planning and Zoning office directly at 203-622-7894 to verify the message.
Professional staff are available by phone from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Residents who need to visit Town Hall in person can do so during the same hours. The office is closed to walk-ins on Wednesdays.
The alert did not say how many residents have received the phishing emails or whether the Greenwich Police Department is investigating.
