St. Pete Beach Alerts Residents to Fraudulent Scheme Targeting Zoning and Planning Applicants

Share this @internewscast.com

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents of St. Pete Beach are being alerted by city officials about a scam aimed at individuals applying for zoning or planning approvals. This fraudulent activity seeks to extort money from unsuspecting applicants.

In a recent case, a local business owner who applied for a permit to add a balcony to their restaurant fell victim to this scam. Thankfully, they identified the suspicious email and reported it to the authorities.

Florida SNAP recipients will not receive their November benefits due to a delay in federal funding.

Channel 8 interviewed another business owner who noted that scams like these are becoming increasingly frequent.

“We receive unsolicited calls, texts, and emails all day,” shared John Brooks Murray, who owns Baywaters Apartments.

“Since everyone knows each other around here, we keep an eye out for one another,” Murray added.

“To the extent that we see this remaining an ongoing issue, we’ll continue to monitor and inform the public through our different communication channels,” said Marc Portugal with the City of St. Pete Beach.

City officials said the imposters were able to track down people who recently submitted zoning or planning permits, and they sent them messages asking for hundreds or thousands of dollars for an approval fee.”

“It doesn’t surprise me that the scammers are latching onto this,” Murray said. “I mean they look for vulnerable areas and they take advantage of people who are desperate. There are a lot of desperate people out here on the barrier islands.”

The people who received them had a feeling something was up and reported it, but city leaders are warning the public because many of the emails appeared to have legitimate and specific information related to these people’s properties.

“So to them it seemed like a realistic amount of money,” Portugal said. “If people are concerned about the legitimacy of a communication from the city – they should definitely call planning and zoning department and find out whether or not the request is legitimate.”

Share this @internewscast.com

Facebook X Reddit Pinterest

St. Pete Beach Alerts Residents to Fraudulent Scheme Targeting Zoning and Planning Applicants

Up next

Unveiling the Thoughtful Costume Artistry of ‘Him’—Highlighting the Ongoing Importance of Pay Equity and Diversity

Author

Internewscast

Tags

Share this @internewscast.com

Syrian Government Calls for Civilian Evacuation Amid Ongoing Aleppo Clashes with Kurdish Forces

UK Prepares for Significant Snowfall Amid Ongoing European Cold Spell

Russian Drone and Missile Strikes on Kyiv Result in Three Fatalities

Parents Demand Answers: Unpacking Cancer Cluster Fears at VDH Town Hall Meeting

Lebanon Predator Sentenced: 10 Life Terms for Heinous Child Sex Crimes

Minneapolis Streets Erupt in Protest Following Fatal Shooting of Renee Good by ICE Officer

ICE Shooting Incident Highlights Minnesota’s Ongoing Tensions with Trump Administration

Unsafe Conditions Force Closure of Bristol, Va. Park Due to Contaminants

Palm Bay Seeks Postponement in Trial Involving Censured Councilman

Rubio Set to Discuss Key Issues with Denmark and Greenland Leaders

Scott County Cancer Cluster Report Sparks Concern Among Parents and Healthcare Professionals: VDH Findings Under Scrutiny

Energy DELTA Lab in Wise Set to Receive $1.4 Million Boost

Escalating Conflict in Gaza: Israeli Strikes Claim 13 Lives Amidst Trump’s Anticipated Peace Initiative

Experts in tactics identify pivotal moment in ICE shooting footage

Heartbreaking Holiday Tale: Young Girl Excluded from Christmas Joy by Dad and Girlfriend

Subpoenas Overturned: Bondi Acting Prosecutor Faces Setbacks Amidst Consecutive Court Defeats Favoring Letitia James

St. Pete Beach Alerts Residents to Fraudulent Scheme Targeting Zoning and Planning Applicants

Up next

Author

Internewscast

Tags

Share this @internewscast.com

You May Also Like