Beaumont Warns of Email Scam Targeting Permit and Rezoning Fees

Residents, contractors, and developers have received fraudulent emails about application approval fees.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

The city of Beaumont is warning residents about a new email scam involving fraudulent messages that appear to be from the city's Planning and Zoning Commission regarding permit and rezoning application approval fees. The city does not accept payments through third-party websites or unfamiliar portals, and is advising the public to only make payments through its official payment portal.

Why it matters

This scam targets residents, contractors, and developers who need to pay permit and rezoning fees to the city, potentially leading to financial losses if they fall victim. It highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any emails or payment portals related to official government business.

The details

The fraudulent emails instruct recipients to submit payment through third-party websites or unfamiliar payment portals, which is not the city's official process. Beaumont officials have reported the incident and are working to address the issue, advising the public to only make payments through the city's official portal used for permit and rezoning applications.

  • The city of Beaumont issued the warning on February 24, 2026.

The players

Beaumont City Hall

The local government of Beaumont, Texas, which is warning residents about the email scam.

Beaumont Planning and Zoning Commission

The city department that the fraudulent emails appear to be from, regarding permit and rezoning application approval fees.

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What’s next

Anyone who receives a suspicious email regarding permit or application fees is asked to contact the city directly before submitting any payments.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any emails or payment portals related to official government business, as falling victim could lead to financial losses. Residents, contractors, and developers should only make payments through the city's official portal to ensure payment security.