The Baltimore Planning Department has been made aware of a sophisticated scam targeting members of the public. Individuals are falsely representing themselves as Baltimore Planning Commissioners or department staff and are sending fraudulent invoices or requests for payment, often directing recipients to wire funds.

⚠️ IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: DO NOT PAY OR WIRE MONEY

• The Baltimore Planning Department and its Commissioners will NEVER send invoices to the public, request immediate payment, or ask you to wire funds for any planning-related services or applications.
• These fraudulent communications may use official-looking logos, names, and contact information to appear legitimate.
• If you receive an invoice, demand for payment, or a request to wire funds from someone claiming to be associated with the Baltimore Planning Department, it is a SCAM.

What You Need to Know

The Baltimore Planning Department's official processes for fees, permits, and other financial transactions do not involve unsolicited invoices sent directly to the public for immediate wiring of money. All legitimate fees are handled through established, verifiable city systems.

What You Should Do

1. DO NOT respond to the email, text, or phone call.
2. DO NOT click on any links or open any attachments.
3. DO NOT attempt to pay or wire any funds.
4. REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY: Please forward the suspicious email or provide details of the scam to our official contact for verification: 
   Jasmine Johnson, Jasmine.johnson1@baltimorecity.gov
5. Contact Law Enforcement: We strongly encourage you to also report this activity to the Baltimore Police Department (Non-Emergency Line: 410-637-8875) and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov/.

Please remain vigilant. Your security is our priority.