Fake Permit Fee Notices

Published on May 01, 2026

The City of Torrance is warning property owners and developers to be alert for a scam in which criminals impersonate city staff to request fraudulent payments of permit fees.

Scammers are using publicly available permit information — such as property addresses, application numbers, and the names of officials — to send convincing emails that appear legitimate.  These emails may include professional formatting, detailed permit information, and attached invoices requesting payment via wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment services, or cryptocurrency.  Messages often emphasize urgency and warn that delays in payment could affect the permitting process.

Please do not pay these fees, as it is not a legitimate request. The City of Torrance would never request a wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment services, or cryptocurrency.  

Please take the following precautions:

• Do not assume an email is legitimate based on letterhead, logos, or official names.
• Verify the sender’s email address and domain carefully.  All Torrance emails end in @TorranceCA.gov.
• Confirm any payment requests by contacting the City’s Permit Center directly at (310) 618-5910 or via email at CDDInfo@TorranceCA.Gov.

If you believe you have received a fraudulent message or have been a victim of this scam, please report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov/.  Please include any relevant email details and payment information.