City of Syracuse Issues Alert on Nationwide Zoning and Planning Scam

Published on September 02, 2026

The scam has been reported in multiple states, with individuals and business owners receiving official-looking communications that cite false zoning violations, demand “urgent compliance fees,” or instruct recipients to schedule mandatory inspections. Some messages threaten fines or legal action if payments are not made immediately.

“These communications are designed to look authentic, and many include fabricated case numbers, municipal seals, and signatures,” said Mayor Sharon F. Owens. “We want residents and business owners to know these messages are fake. The City Zoning Administration will never demand immediate payment or threaten penalties without proper verification and due process.”

The City is urging the public to take the following precautions:

• Verify any zoning or planning related communication by contacting the Syracuse Zoning Administration directly by emailing zoning@syr.gov or calling 315-448-8640.
• Be suspicious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or mailed notices demanding quick payments or sensitive personal information.
• Do not initiate a wire transfer or send alternative forms of payment based on an email request.
• Report any suspicious zoning or planning notices with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Do not click links or download attachments from unverified emails claiming to be related to zoning or compliance issues.

The City is coordinating with state and federal authorities to monitor the spread of the scam and ensure timely public warnings. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and share this information with neighbors, colleagues, and local business owners. To learn more and see examples of fake invoices, residents can visit syr.gov/Zoning-Scam-Warning