Auburn City Hall Warns of Scam Targeting Applicants

Fraudulent invoices request wire transfers for application reviews, officials say

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The City of Auburn is warning residents and businesses about a scam targeting people who apply to the city's Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. Scammers have been sending fraudulent invoices asking applicants to make payments by wire transfer for application reviews at Memorial City Hall, which the city says it does not actually request.

Why it matters

This scam appears to be a recurring issue in Auburn, targeting those who submit materials to the city's planning and zoning boards. It highlights the need for applicants to be vigilant about verifying the legitimacy of any payment requests they receive to avoid falling victim to fraud.

The details

According to city officials, the scammers have been sending fraudulent invoices asking applicants to make payments by wire transfer for application reviews at Memorial City Hall. However, the city states it does not actually request payments for these applications through wire transfer. The scam seems to be specifically targeting people who submit materials to the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals.

  • The city says this is a recurring issue they have been dealing with.

The players

City of Auburn

The local government of Auburn, New York, which oversees the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals and is warning residents about this scam.

Planning Board

A city board that reviews and approves applications related to land use and development in Auburn.

Zoning Board of Appeals

A city board that reviews and rules on zoning-related applications and appeals in Auburn.

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The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any payment requests, especially those related to government applications and processes. Applicants should be cautious of unsolicited invoices and take steps to confirm the authenticity of any payment demands to avoid falling victim to fraud.