Novato officials warn of phishing scam targeting permit applicants

Novato officials are warning residents, property owners and businesses about an ongoing phishing scam in which cybercriminals are impersonating city staff to request fraudulent permit payments.

In a statement Wednesday, Novato officials said scammers are sending emails that appear legitimate by using publicly available permit information such as property addresses, case numbers and staff names. Some applicants involved in planning, building and permitting processes in Novato have already been affected.