Carmel warns permit applicants of phishing emails demanding wire transfers, risking payment losses and project delays
On September 1, 2026, the City of Carmel alerted residents to a sophisticated phishing campaign impersonating its Department of Community Services that uses real property addresses and case numbers to demand immediate payment—often via wire transfer—for permit fees. The city says it will never request payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency or mobile apps and urged recipients to verify invoices through its official permit portal or contact the department.
The City of Carmel identified highly realistic emails claiming to come from the Department of Community Services that reference actual property addresses, case numbers or recent permit filings. Messages often display official branding, use the names of real city employees and state that a project “cannot be finalized” until fees are paid immediately—frequently directing victims to pay by wire transfer to avoid delays.
Carmel advised that all legitimate fees are processed through its official online permit portal and that it will never ask for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency or mobile payment apps. The city provided a direct contact for verification: Department of Community Services at (317) 571-2417 or Bric Butler at bbutler@carmel.in.gov, and suggested filing a report at www.ic3.gov.
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