Scam targets land use applicants
Fairfax County is warning the public about a new scam. People submitting applications through the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) have been receiving fraudulent emails asking for payment that appear to come from the Department of Planning and Development.
These messages may reference real application numbers or upcoming hearings and may include fake invoices requesting wire transfers or other forms of payment.
For example, one scam email had this subject line: “Immediate Action Needed – Final Approval Fee for {SP-2025-PR-00077}.”
“These emails are not from the county,” the warning states. “Staff will never request payment through unsolicited emails, wire transfers, or invoices sent outside of the official PLUS system. Official fee payments are exclusively processed through the PLUS system using ACH/eCheck, credit card, or, in limited instances, a physical check.”
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Fairfax County urges residents not to click links, open attachments, or send payment.
If you receive an email that seems suspicious, contains unexpected payment instructions (especially a request for a wire transfer), or appears to impersonate a county employee, verify directly with the staff member working on your application.
To confirm an email’s authenticity or to report a suspicious message related to PLUS fees, email [email protected] or call 703-324-2222.
Thank you for sharing. Be careful folks, too many people are being bad, because they aren’t concerned about the consequences. Hopefully the police are able to find the perpetrators and the Commonwealth Attorney/ prosecutor will get them.