The scam uses real staff names, case numbers, and city logos to trick recipients, with Novato confirming the fraud after a resident reported a suspicious invoice.
Fake emails request permit fee payments via wire transfer, payment apps, or cryptocurrency, and threaten delays to create urgency. Similar scams have targeted other Marin County cities.
The FBI issued a nationwide warning in March, with a Pew study noting $16.6 billion in online scam losses in 2024 and 73% of U.S. adults affected by online scams.
With AI fueling a 700% rise in phishing, can new federal policies stop the scam epidemic?
Beyond billions in losses, how do these scams erode public trust in government institutions?
As cities put permit data online, are they creating a roadmap for cybercriminals?
If 1 in 5 Americans are victims, why does it remain so difficult to prosecute these crimes?
Is the public's right to government information now at odds with their financial security?