City of Raleigh Scam Alert: Stay Safe from Phishing Emails
The City of Raleigh’s Planning and Development Department has issued a warning about a phishing scam targeting community members who recently interacted with the department. These fraudulent emails appear to come from the City, requesting payment or sensitive information — but they are not legitimate.
The scam messages are designed to trick you into clicking malicious links, sharing personal information, or submitting payments through fake portals. Protect yourself by learning how to spot these scams and what steps to take if you receive one.
🧠 What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email
If you suspect that you’ve received a phishing email posing as the City of Raleigh:
🚫 Do not reply or click on any links. 🚫 Do not open attachments. 🗑 Report the email as spam or phishing, then delete it immediately.
🔍 How to Spot a Phishing Email
Phishing messages often look official — but small details can give them away. Here’s what to watch for:
Check the sender’s address. Official City of Raleigh emails from the Permit and Development Portal end in @raleighnc.gov. The fraudulent email reported in this scam was sent from raleighnc.gov@usa.com, which is not associated with the City. Watch for urgency or threats. Scammers often use alarming language to pressure you into taking action quickly — like “Immediate payment required” or “Your account will be suspended.” Hover before you click. Before clicking any link, hover your mouse to see the true URL. If it doesn’t match a trusted city address, don’t click it. Be wary of requests for personal data. The City of Raleigh will never ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or passwords via email.
✅ How to Verify City Communications
If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate:
Visit the official Permit and Development Portal directly through the City’s website. Or contact the Customer Service Center at 919-996-2500 to confirm whether you have any outstanding invoices or applications.
🛡 Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Community
Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but awareness is your best defense. By staying alert, verifying official communications, and reporting suspicious messages, you help keep Raleigh’s digital community safe and secure.
For more information and updates, visit raleighnc.gov and follow the City’s official alerts.
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