FBI Warns of Sophisticated Phishing Scam Targeting U.S. Permit Applicants The FBI has issued an alert about a widespread phishing campaign targeting individuals and businesses applying for land-use permits across the U.S. Cybercriminals are impersonating government officials, sending fraudulent emails demanding payments for fake permit fees via wire transfers or cryptocurrency. The scam emails are highly convincing, often including accurate details such as property addresses, case numbers, and the names of real city or county officials. Attackers use publicly available permit data to craft realistic messages, complete with official-looking letterhead, professional language, and references to zoning regulations and compliance procedures. Some emails even create false urgency with threats of penalties or delays. The FBI noted that many malicious emails use deceptive domains like "@usa.com" instead of legitimate ".gov" addresses. Victims are advised to verify communications by cross-checking official city or county websites and contacting listed phone numbers directly. This scheme is part of a broader surge in cybercrime, with U.S. victims losing over $12 billion in 2024 alone. Authorities are ramping up efforts to dismantle criminal networks and recover stolen funds. Additionally, AI tools are being exploited by scammers to refine phishing emails, making them more persuasive even for non-English speakers.