The FBI is warning property owners and businesses about a phishing scam in which criminals impersonate city or county planning and zoning officials and request fraudulent permit fees. These emails may include real permit details and ask for payment through wire transfer, peer-to-peer apps, or cryptocurrency.
If you receive an unexpected permit invoice, verify it by calling your city or county government directly using the phone number on the official website.
Reminder: Official Clay County emails will always come from an address ending in @claycountymn.gov.