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FBI warns of zoning permit scam emails

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FBI warns of zoning permit scam emails

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If you are building a home, renovating a property or applying for a zoning permit, there is a new scam you need to watch for. The Federal Bureau of Investigation says criminals are impersonating city and county planning officials in a phishing campaign designed to trick victims into paying fake permit fees.

The messages often look very convincing. A typical fake scam email might look like the one below. In many cases, scammers already know details about the property or the permit application. That makes the email feel real and urgent.

Unfortunately, once victims send the payment, the money is usually gone.

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BE AWARE OF EXTORTION SCAM EMAILS CLAIMING YOUR DATA IS STOLEN
 

The new zoning permit scam targets people applying for building approvals, often using fake invoices, urgent deadlines and official-sounding language. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

How the zoning permit phishing scam works

According to the FBI, criminals start by gathering publicly available information about zoning applications and development permits. Much of this information is available through city and county government websites. Once scammers find a target, they send an email pretending to come from a local planning or zoning department. The email may include:

  • A property address
  • A zoning or permit application number
  • References to a scheduled hearing
  • An invoice for supposed permit fees

The message often claims the payment must be made quickly to avoid delays in the permit approval process. Victims are then instructed to send money using wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps or cryptocurrency. Those payment methods are difficult to trace and even harder to recover.

Why the scam emails look so convincing

This scam works because it taps into a real process that many homeowners and businesses already deal with. Planning approvals, zoning permits and building applications often involve fees and official correspondence. When a message arrives that mentions your property or project, it feels legitimate. Criminals also carefully time their messages. Some phishing emails arrive shortly after applicants receive real communication from a local planning department.

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The FBI says another warning sign is the email address. Many of the messages come from domains that look official but are not government domains. For example, scammers may use addresses ending in @usa.com or other non-government domains.

IF SOMEONE GETS INTO YOUR EMAIL, THEY OWN EVERY ACCOUNT YOU HAVE. THESE 3 MOVES LOCK THEM OUT FOR GOOD
 

The FBI is warning homebuilders, renovators and property owners about a phishing scam that uses fake zoning and permit fee emails to steal money. (Rawf8/Getty Images)

Red flags that signal a zoning permit scam

The FBI says several warning signs often appear in these phishing messages.

  • First, the sender email address may not end in a legitimate .gov domain.
  • Second, the message may include an attachment asking you to request additional details by replying to the email.
  • Third, the message may create urgency by claiming your permit will be delayed unless payment is made immediately.
  • Finally, the email may demand payment through unusual methods such as wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps or cryptocurrency.

Legitimate government offices rarely request permit payments this way. 

This type of government impersonation is growing

Impersonating government officials has become a common tactic for scammers. In recent years, the FBI has warned about criminals pretending to be law enforcement agents, federal officials and even employees of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

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In one reported case, scammers contacted fraud victims and claimed they could help recover lost money. The criminals pretended to work for the FBI. The bureau has also warned about criminals using AI-generated audio deepfakes to impersonate government officials in voice phishing attacks. These schemes show how quickly scammers adapt their tactics.

How to stay safe from zoning permit phishing scams

The FBI shared several warnings about this scam. Here are practical steps you can take to protect yourself.

1) Verify the sender

Check the email address carefully. Official government communications typically come from a .gov domain. 

2) Confirm fees directly

Contact your city or county planning department using the phone number listed on the official website.

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3) Never rush payments

Scammers often create urgency. Take time to verify any request for money.

4) Avoid unusual payment methods

Government agencies rarely request payment through wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps or cryptocurrency. 

FBI EMAIL HACK SHOWS WHY YOU MUST LOCK DOWN YOUR TECH
 

The FBI says fake planning department emails are tricking property owners into sending permit payments through wire transfers, apps and crypto. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

5) Reduce your public data exposure

Scammers often gather details from public records, property listings and data broker sites to make their messages look legitimate. Using a data removal service can help remove your personal information from many of these databases and reduce the chances that criminals can target you with highly personalized scams.

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Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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6) Be cautious with attachments and links

Unexpected files or payment instructions can signal phishing. Do not click on any links or download attachments until you confirm the message is legitimate.

7) Use strong antivirus protection

Strong antivirus software can detect phishing links, malicious downloads and suspicious websites before they compromise your device. Good security software can also warn you if you attempt to visit a known scam page. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

8) Report suspicious messages

If you receive a fraudulent email, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Providing details like the email address used, the date of the message and the requested payment amount can help investigators track the criminals.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Building permits and zoning approvals already involve paperwork, deadlines and fees. Scammers know this. They exploit the process to create messages that look authentic. A quick moment of verification can make the difference between moving your project forward and losing thousands of dollars to criminals. The more property owners, developers and businesses understand how these scams work, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed. So the next time an email demands a permit fee, pause before you pay.

If a message about your property arrives asking for immediate payment, would you know how to tell if it came from your local government or a scammer? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs

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Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs

Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.

In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.

Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.

You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.

Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”

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Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?

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Apple’s 0M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?

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If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention.

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple’s next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing.

The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.

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WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS

U.S. buyers of certain iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models may qualify for payments if a judge approves Apple’s proposed settlement. (Getty Images)

What Apple is accused of promising

Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way.

The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected.

That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products. 

How much money could iPhone owners get?

The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors.

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That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket.

Which iPhones may qualify?

The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.

Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model.

The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States.

HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE’S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT

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Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle claims it misled customers about Apple Intelligence and Siri features on newer iPhones. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg)

How will you file a claim?

You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website.

That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available.

Why this case matters beyond one Siri feature

This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later.

That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes.

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This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. “Coming soon” can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more.

We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.

FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE

Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle claims tied to its marketing of Apple Intelligence and Siri features. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)

What this means to you

If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal.

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You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details.

More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait?

That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later.

Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos

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Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos

Instagram is once again cribbing from competitors like Snapchat and BeReal with a new photo-sharing format it calls “Instants,” which are ephemeral photos that you can’t edit and that you can only share with your close friends or followers that follow you back. Instants are available globally beginning on Wednesday as a feature in the inbox in the Instagram app and as a separate app that’s now in testing in select countries.

To access Instants from the Instagram app, go to your DM inbox and look in the bottom-right corner for an icon or a stack of photos. After you post a photo, your friends can emoji react to it and send a reply to your DMs, but after they see it, the photo disappears for them. Instants also disappear after 24 hours, and they can’t be captured in screenshots or screen recordings.

However, your Instants will remain in an archive for you for up to a year, and you can reshare them as a recap to your Instagram Stories if you’d like. You can also undo sending an Instant right after you post it or delete it from your archive.

The Instants mobile app, which popped up in Italy and Spain in April, gives you “immediate access to the camera” and only requires an Instagram account, Instagram says. “Instants you share on the separate app will show up for friends on Instagram and vice versa. We’re trying this separate app out to see how our community uses it, and we’ll continue to evolve it as we learn more.”

Instagram, in its testing, has seen that people “tend to use Instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day,” according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. “And we know that this type of sharing of personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram Instagram, but we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.”

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