Amarillo Police Warn of Fake Home Improvement Permit Fee Emails

Scammers are sending official-looking messages demanding immediate payment to avoid project delays

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a home improvement permit document or construction tool lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh flash illuminates the details of a home improvement permit, exposing the potential for deception in construction projects.Amarillo Today

The Amarillo Police Department is alerting residents about a new home improvement permit fee scam targeting people working on construction or renovation projects. Scammers are sending emails that appear to be from the city, claiming the recipient owes a permit fee that must be paid immediately via wire transfer, Venmo, Zelle, or cryptocurrency to avoid delays. However, these emails are fake, and the city would never demand payment through these methods.

Why it matters

This scam takes advantage of homeowners who are already dealing with the costs and complexities of home improvement projects. By preying on fears of delays and using official-looking details, the scammers hope to trick people into sending money they don't actually owe. Falling for this could result in significant financial losses for victims.

The details

The scam emails often include the recipient's address or a case number to make the message seem more legitimate. However, the Amarillo Police Department warns that real city permit fees are never paid through apps, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Once the money is sent, it is extremely difficult to track or recover.

  • The Amarillo Police Department issued the warning on April 15, 2026.

The players

Amarillo Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Amarillo, Texas that is alerting residents about this home improvement permit fee scam.

Scammers

Individuals who are sending the fake, official-looking emails demanding immediate payment of permit fees to defraud homeowners.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Don't assume an email is real just because it looks official. Government agencies will never demand immediate payment using apps, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.”

— Amarillo Police Department

What’s next

The Amarillo Police Department advises residents to always verify any permit fee requests by directly contacting the city using their official website or phone number, rather than responding to suspicious emails.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of vigilance when dealing with any official-looking communications, especially when it comes to home improvement projects that can already be costly and stressful. Verifying the source before sending any payments is crucial to avoid falling victim to these types of deceptive tactics.