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Chatham County Alerts Public of Phishing Scam
Post Date:01/29/2026 2:30 PM
CHATHAM COUNTY, NC— Chatham County wants to alert the public of a phishing scam that is targeting individuals who work with the Planning Department.
Customers who have submitted rezoning and major subdivision applications are receiving phishing emails requesting wire transfers for fake permit application fees. These messages are not legitimate.
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office began investigating after the Planning Department started receiving calls from concerned customers last week.
What the public needs to know to protect themselves:
• The only valid way to pay Chatham County permit fees other than paying in person at the Planning office is through the official OpenGov permitting portal at - https://chathamcountync.portal.opengov.com
• Individuals who are unsure can verify any payment request by logging into their OpenGov account at the link provided above or by contacting Planning staff directly.
• Individuals should not send payment, click links, or open attachments from any suspicious or unexpected emails.
• Individuals who receive one of these fraudulent messages should report it to Planning staff immediately and do not provide payment.
• Individuals who need to confirm whether a communication is legitimate may contact the Planning Department at 919 542 8204 or 80 A East Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
More information about this scam and the Chatham County Planning Department can be found at - https://www.chathamcountync.gov/planning.
Return to full list >>The Chatham County Sheriff's Office began investigating after the Planning Department started receiving calls from concerned customers last week.
What the public needs to know to protect themselves:
• The only valid way to pay Chatham County permit fees other than paying in person at the Planning office is through the official OpenGov permitting portal at - https://chathamcountync.portal.opengov.com
• Individuals who are unsure can verify any payment request by logging into their OpenGov account at the link provided above or by contacting Planning staff directly.
• Individuals should not send payment, click links, or open attachments from any suspicious or unexpected emails.
• Individuals who receive one of these fraudulent messages should report it to Planning staff immediately and do not provide payment.
• Individuals who need to confirm whether a communication is legitimate may contact the Planning Department at 919 542 8204 or 80 A East Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
More information about this scam and the Chatham County Planning Department can be found at - https://www.chathamcountync.gov/planning.