Land Use Permit Application Fee Scam Alert

Published on December 24, 2025

SCAM ALERT – FRAUDULENT PAYMENT REQUESTS

The City of Albany has been made aware of a nationwide scam targeting land use applicants. Scammers are requesting large wire transfer payments for application fees via fraudulent emails.

What you should know:

• All City permit payments must be made in person at City Hall
• Staff will never ask for additional payments through wire transfer. Fees for any permit applications are discussed directly with the applicant.
• All email communications will come from Community Development staff email addresses ending in albanyca.gov.
• We strongly encourage applicants to verify any fee, fine, or invoice by directly contacting the Community Development Department at (510) 528-5760 or com-dev@albanyca.gov