Coral Springs warns that scammers are sending fake emails impersonating building and zoning officials to trick residents and businesses
Coral Springs, Florida – City officials in Coral Springs are sounding the alarm after discovering that scammers are sending fraudulent emails posing as members of the building, planning, and zoning departments. The scheme, which targets residents and businesses involved in permit applications or code-related processes, has already raised concerns among local authorities who fear the scam could trick unsuspecting recipients into sending money or private information.
According to a warning posted on the city’s Development Review Committee website, the emails are crafted to look impressively legitimate. Officials say scammers are copying the city’s branding, including logos and real staff names, and are even creating email addresses that closely resemble official ones. At first glance, many of these messages seem authentic, but a closer look reveals slight differences — the most noticeable being that the web address ends in “.usa” instead of “.gov.”
The fraudulent messages often request payment for permit fees, architectural review charges, or code violation settlements. Officials say some scammers are directing people to pay via wire transfer, a major red flag. The city made it clear that it never asks for wire transfers for any building or permitting fees. “All official payments must go through Coral Springs’ authorized online payment portal,” the city emphasized in its notice.
Residents are being strongly urged to treat any unusual or unexpected email with caution. If something looks suspicious, officials say to avoid replying, avoid providing personal details, and especially avoid clicking links or downloading attachments. Protecting the public from these kinds of scams remains a top priority for the city, which continues to monitor the situation and issue updated guidance.
The warning from Coral Springs arrives as federal agencies report an overall surge in scam activity nationwide. The FBI has repeatedly said that scammers ramp up operations during busy times of the year, taking advantage of increased spending and the distractions of holiday schedules. In south Florida, the agency is urging residents to “take a beat” — a reminder to pause before acting on messages that demand quick decisions.
Recent data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center shows just how widespread the problem has become. In 2024 alone, cyber-enabled fraud resulted in $13.7 billion in losses from more than 333,000 complaints, accounting for nearly 83% of all reported financial losses linked to online crime.
“This year in South Florida, we are uncovering more fraud scams using targeted ads that seem very realistic due to the use of technology including generative AI,” said Brett Skiles, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Miami. “Remember the old adage: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Federal investigators say scammers often rely on urgency, fear, or isolation to pressure victims into reacting before thinking. Officials recommend independently verifying any unsolicited contact, researching unfamiliar offers, and never sending money, gift cards, personal details, or access to financial accounts to anyone who has not been fully verified.
As Coral Springs continues to manage this wave of impersonation attempts, city leaders hope the public remains alert — and skeptical — of anything that doesn’t feel right.
