Scammers are taking aim at North Olmsted property owners and permit applicants, sending out phony invoices tied to supposed Board of Zoning and Building Appeals (BZBA) variance requests. The bogus notices are dressed up with official-looking documents, city-style logos, and alarmist language designed to pressure people into clicking links or paying up on the spot.
City posts scam alert
The City of North Olmsted has issued a SCAM ALERT warning that phishing emails and invoices are circulating among residents and businesses, all referencing BZBA variance requests. According to the City of North Olmsted, the fraudulent messages often include forged attachments, city imagery, and urgent demands for action. Anyone who is unsure about a message is urged to confirm it by calling City Hall directly at 440-777-8000 rather than using any contact information in the suspicious email or invoice.
Police chief urges caution
North Olmsted Police Chief Bob Wagner told Cleveland.com that the department typically handles between 20 and 40 fraud reports every month, though they have not yet identified any confirmed victims tied specifically to this zoning invoice scheme. Wagner’s advice is blunt: “Don’t give anybody your name, date of birth, social security number or any personal information,” he said, urging residents to be extra wary of unexpected emails, surprise invoices or anything that feels rushed or high-pressure.
It’s part of a nationwide pattern
This local scheme is not happening in a vacuum. Earlier this spring, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center issued a public service announcement warning that criminals across the country are impersonating city and county planning and zoning officials to trick victims into sending fake permit payments. Per the Internet Crime Complaint Center, scammers often mine publicly available permit and zoning details, then contact property owners with convincing notices while steering them toward payment methods such as wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
How to protect yourself
If an unexpected invoice or email lands in your inbox about a zoning, building, or permit fee, the guidance from officials is simple: do not click on any links, do not send money, and do not share personal or financial information. Instead, independently verify the request using contact information from the city’s official website or by calling City Hall at 440-777-8000.
The City of North Olmsted is also encouraging residents to spread the word to neighbors and local businesses so fewer people get duped, and to report any suspicious communications to local police. Officials say that staying alert is the best defense and urge residents to keep an eye on official notices posted on the city website. For confirmed guidance and ongoing updates, consult the City of North Olmsted or contact City Hall directly.
