EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Township officials are warning residents and businesses about a new scam targeting applicants involved with the Planning and Zoning Department through the use of fake invoices and spoofed emails.
Police said scammers are using publicly available information from municipal board agendas to create fraudulent documents that appear legitimate.
The invoices reportedly feature the township logo, names of real employees, and accurate application or meeting details, making them appear authentic to unsuspecting applicants.
Scammers demand payments via wire transfer
Authorities said the fake invoices instruct recipients to send large payments by wire transfer or credit card, claiming the money is required for an application or upcoming board hearing.
Officials emphasized that the Township of East Brunswick never requests payments via wire transfer, credit card, or online transaction.
All legitimate payments must be made in person or by mail
The township advised that all real Planning and Zoning payments must be made by check, money order, or cash directly to:
Township of East Brunswick
4 Harts Lane
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Applicants can verify any payment requests by calling the Planning and Zoning Office at 732-390-6870.
Residents urged to report suspicious invoices
Police urged anyone receiving a suspicious invoice not to send money or reply to the listed email address. Instead, residents should contact the Planning and Zoning Office and report the incident to the East Brunswick Police Department.
East Brunswick officials are alerting residents to a scam involving fake Planning and Zoning invoices that use real municipal details to demand fraudulent payments.