BEAUFORT, S.C. () – A recent alert from the Lowcountry Regional MLS is cautioning individuals about an emerging scam. The deceit involves criminals pretending to be the City of Beaufort Planning Commission.
Scammers send emails to property owners or applicants, mentioning rezoning requests and requiring payment for a bogus “Application Review & Approval Fee.”
Below are a few key red flags in the fraudulent correspondence:
- The message instructs recipients to reply for wire transfer instructions—this is a common tactic used by scammers to evade traceability.
- The correspondence contains formatting inconsistencies, typographical errors, and vague references to legitimate government processes.
- The message claims the rezoning has been “recommended for approval” before fee payment. This is not standard municipal procedure.
If you’ve already responded or made a payment:
- Report the incident to your financial institution immediately.
- File a report with local law enforcement and the SC Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Stay vigilant. Scammers continue to evolve their methods, including impersonating trusted local institutions. Always verify before you pay.
