If you're working on a permit, planning case or development project with the City of Tempe, be cautious of unexpected emails requesting payment. Communities across the country are reporting fraudulent emails that impersonate local government planning and development staff and attempt to collect fake permit and application fees.
These emails can look convincing. They may reference a real project, property address, permit number or City employee to make the request appear legitimate. Before sending payment, take a moment to verify that the request is really from the City of Tempe.
Know the warning signs
Scammers often use publicly available information to make their emails appear legitimate. Watch for these common warning signs:
- References to an active permit, planning case or development application.
- The name of a real City employee.
- An invoice or payment request that appears official.
- Messages creating a sense of urgency by claiming your project could be delayed if payment isn't made immediately.
- Requests to pay by wire transfer or another unusual payment method.
- An email address that looks like a City email address but does not end in @tempe.gov.
Before you send payment
If you receive an unexpected invoice or payment request related to a City of Tempe permit or development application:
- Verify the request before making a payment.
- If you have concerns or suspicions, contact Community Development using the phone number or email address listed on tempe.gov or by calling 480-350-4311. Do not rely on the contact information included in the email.
- Don't click links or open attachments if something seems suspicious.
- If you're unsure whether a payment request is legitimate, contact the City before sending payment.
How the City of Tempe accepts payments
The City of Tempe accepts payments through our online Citizen Access portal. Acceptable forms of payment include E-check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.
The City of Tempe will not request payments by wire transfer for permit, planning or development fees.
If you receive an email directing you to pay by wire transfer or another unfamiliar payment method, do not send payment! Contact Community Development to verify the request first.
All email communication from city employees will come from a tempe.gov email address.
If you receive a suspicious email
- Do not send payment or provide financial information.
- Do not click links or download attachments.
- Contact Community Development to verify the request.
- If you've already sent payment or shared financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Questions?
If you have questions about a payment request related to a permit, planning case or development project, contact Tempe Community Development at 480-350-4311 or visit tempe.gov. We're happy to help you verify whether a payment request is legitimate before you send money.
Learn more: American Planning Association “Fraud Alert: How Scammers Are Now Impersonating City Governments”