Homeowners Targeted in Phishing Scam Demanding Fake Permit Fees

Scammers use official-looking invoices to trick DIYers into paying bogus permit charges

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:36am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled, official-looking invoice with a red 'FRAUD' stamp, conceptually illustrating the deceptive nature of a phishing scam targeting homeowners with fake permit fee requests.A phishing scam targeting Las Vegas homeowners exposes the risks of falling for fraudulent permit fee demands.Las Vegas Today

A new phishing scam is targeting homeowners in the Las Vegas area who are working on home improvement projects that require permits. The scam involves sending fake invoices that appear to be from local government agencies, demanding immediate payment of permit fees via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle. While the invoices may contain real address and case number details to seem legitimate, the charges are completely fraudulent.

Why it matters

This scam takes advantage of homeowners who are already navigating the complexities of obtaining proper permits for their renovation projects. The scammers leverage publicly available information to lend an air of credibility to their phishing attempts, putting unsuspecting residents at risk of financial loss.

The details

The scam begins with an email or text message that demands immediate payment of a permit fee and threatens delays if the homeowner does not comply. The message may include the homeowner's address and a case number to appear official, but any links, contact information, or payment methods provided are part of the scam. Legitimate government agencies will never request payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle.

  • The phishing scam has been targeting Las Vegas homeowners in recent weeks.

The players

Las Vegas homeowners

Residents of the Las Vegas area who are working on home improvement projects that require permits from local government agencies.

Scammers

Individuals or groups behind the phishing scam who are sending fraudulent invoices to unsuspecting homeowners.

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What they’re saying

“Legitimate government agencies will never demand payment using crypto, wire transfer, or payment apps. So that request is a red flag.”

— Lisa Sturgis, FOX5 Investigative Reporter

What’s next

Homeowners who receive unexpected invoices from city or county government should not use the contact information provided, but instead verify the legitimacy of the request directly with the official agency.

The takeaway

This phishing scam highlights the importance of vigilance when dealing with any unsolicited requests for payment, even if they appear to come from official sources. Homeowners should always verify the legitimacy of permit fees or other government-related charges before sending any money.