Baltimore City is warning against scammers who are impersonating Planning Commission officials to extort money from planning applicants and disrupt city processes.
“Stay vigilant. Do not let scammers prevent your voice from being heard at public meetings,” Department of Planning wrote in an email message to Baltimore property owners, applicants, and residents.
The department reports that fraudsters are using fake credentials to impersonate Planning Commission officials and gain trust. These scammers are also sending notices falsely claiming that a public meeting or hearing has been cancelled in an attempt to discourage planning applicants from appearing.
Other fraud tactics include sending fake invoices and removing “Posting Signs” from properties.
The planning department notes its staff will never conduct an entire application process over email, and that residents should be suspicious if they have not spoken to a staff member or received official physical mail from the department.
There should be no fees involved in the legislative action process other than the standard drafting fee from the Department of Legislative Reference.
Residents should not use phone numbers provided in suspicious emails. Instead, they should call the planning department main office directly at 410-396-7526 in order to verify information if they receive a notice about a cancellation or a request for payment.
If a planning applicant notices their posting sign has been removed, or if they receive suspicious communications about fees or cancellations, the planning department says they should take precautions to prevent a scam.
Applicants should not wire money or provide financial information. They should verify information directly with the Department of Planning by calling the main office phone number (410-396-7526) or emailing the department’s communications specialist, Jasmine Johnson, at Jasmine.Johnson1@baltimorecity.gov.
Residents should also report suspicious 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/.
