The City of Alexandria is alerting all permit applicants and property owners to a sophisticated phishing scheme currently targeting individuals and businesses nationwide. 

The Scam: 

Criminals are using publicly available permit information (including property addresses and case numbers) to send highly realistic emails. They impersonate city officials and attach fraudulent invoices, requesting payment for "outstanding fees" via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or mobile payment apps like Venmo or Zelle. 

How to Protect Yourself: 

• Check the Domain: Official City of Alexandria emails will only come from @alexandriava.gov. Be wary of addresses like "@usa.com" or slightly misspelled versions of our domain.
• Verify Payment Methods: The City does not accept permit payments via wire transfer, P2P apps (Venmo, CashApp, Zelle), or cryptocurrency.
• Confirm the Request: If you receive an unexpected invoice, do not reply to the email. Instead, call the Department office directly to verify any balance due.
  • For permits related to Planning & Zoning, call 703.746.4666
  • For permits related to Transportation & Environmental Services, call 703.746.4035
  • For permits related to Code Administration, call 703.746.4200 

If you believe you have received a fraudulent email, please report it to Alex311 by submitting a ticket or calling 703.746.4311. 

Thank you for helping us keep our community secure.