LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Gwinnett County officials are warning businesses and residents about fraudulent emails impersonating local planning and zoning departments and requesting payment for nonexistent fees.
The emails are part of a nationwide scam and are designed to resemble official county communications. Scammers may copy the name, title and email address of an actual government employee to make the messages appear legitimate.
Recent emails sent to Gwinnett residents and businesses have requested approval fees connected to zoning applications. Some messages have included fraudulent invoices or counterfeit approval letters, according to the county.
The emails are not affiliated with Gwinnett County government.
County officials said Gwinnett will never request payment through a money order, wire transfer or suspicious link. All zoning application payments are processed through the county’s official ZIP Portal at GwinnettZIP.com.
Recipients should not respond to requests for payment outside the portal. Anyone who receives a suspicious email should avoid clicking links, transferring money or providing personal or financial information.
Residents and businesses can verify communications involving zoning applications by contacting Gwinnett Planning and Development at 678-518-6000 or P&D-PlanningZoning@GwinnettCounty.com.
Fraudulent messages should also be reported as spam or phishing through the recipient’s email provider.
Although the recent incidents in Gwinnett have targeted zoning applicants, county officials said similar scams have impersonated other government departments and services across the country. Residents should verify unexpected payment requests directly with the agency involved before responding or sending money.
