Town of Fletcher, North Carolina

Scam Alert: Fraudulent Permit and Development Fee Emails

Posted on 11/02/2026

The Town of Fletcher is warning residents, contractors, developers, and permit applicants about fraudulent emails impersonating the Town’s Planning & Zoning Department and requesting payment for supposed permit or development-related fees.

The Town has recently been made aware of multiple instances in which applicants received suspicious emails referencing actual development applications, property information, and upcoming Town Council meetings. These details can make fraudulent messages appear legitimate.

In one recent incident, an applicant received an email requesting more than $6,000 in fraudulent application fees.

How to Protect Yourself

The Town encourages anyone receiving an unexpected request for permit, zoning, or development-related payments to take the following precautions:

  • Verify all payment requests. Contact the Town of Fletcher directly before submitting payment, especially if the request is unexpected or the payment instructions have changed.
  • Check the sender’s email address. Fraudulent messages may use email addresses that resemble official government communications.
  • Do not click suspicious links or provide financial information. Avoid responding to questionable payment requests until their legitimacy has been confirmed.
  • Be cautious of urgent payment deadlines. Scammers may pressure recipients to make payments immediately or before scheduled public meetings.
  • Do not assume an email is legitimate because it contains accurate application details. Scammers may reference publicly available information to make their messages appear authentic.

Questions About a Payment Request?

If you receive an email requesting payment for a Town of Fletcher permit, zoning application, or development-related fee and are unsure whether it is legitimate, please contact the Town directly before making any payment.

Town of Fletcher – Planning & Zoning Department
300 Old Cane Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732

Phone: 828-687-3985
Website: www.fletchernc.org

Residents and applicants who receive suspicious communications are encouraged to contact the Town so staff can help verify the request.

Remember: When in doubt, verify directly with the Town of Fletcher before sending payment.