Residents and business owners with active planning or zoning applications should watch their inboxes carefully. Westchester County on Friday, July 24, warned that scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating local zoning and planning departments, requesting payment for land use application renewals or related fees.

The alert, issued by County Executive Ken Jenkins and Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez, follows a statewide notice from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, which described the scam as nationwide in scope.

The emails include invoices that look legitimate and may reference publicly available information about a property or application to appear authentic. Two red flags stand out: the messages often come from a "usa.com" domain rather than an official government address, and they request payment via wire transfer.

Local municipalities do not operate that way. Payments for planning and zoning matters are made in person at a building department or through a secure portal on the municipality's own website, according to the county's alert.

"While these fraudulent emails may appear convincing, a few moments spent verifying a request can prevent financial loss and protect sensitive information," Jenkins said in the county's announcement.

Lopez urged property owners and businesses to verify any unexpected payment request by calling their local building department directly before responding.

The county advises anyone who receives a suspicious email related to planning, zoning, or land use to avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or sending payment until the request has been confirmed through official channels.

No reports of Bronxville, Scarsdale, or Eastchester residents being victimized have been made public, but the alert applies countywide.

How to report: Anyone who believes they have been targeted should contact local law enforcement and file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Residents with questions about planning or zoning matters can reach the Westchester County Department of Planning at [email protected] or (914) 995-4400.