NOTICE TO RESIDENTS: Potential Scam Letters

We want to make residents aware that some individuals with active Zoning or Planning Board applications have reported receiving suspicious letters and emails requesting wire transfers. These letters and emails appear to come from the City but are not legitimate.

In a recent case, a resident received a fraudulent notice from someone impersonating a City staff member. This is not the first time this has occurred. While the City does send official notices regarding outstanding escrow, outstanding application fees, and many other permitting-related fees, they will always come directly from our office and include proper documentation. Payment can only be accepted directly at the City of Summit Department of Community Services with either exact amount cash or check payable to the City of Summit. Be aware that the City will never request a wire transfer. In the interim, while the City works to reduce any future risk to our residents, Zoning Board and Planning Board applications will be redacted to exclude personal contact information. Any request to review un-redacted active board applications must be in-person and will be made available here at the Department of Community Services.

If you receive a letter or email that doesn’t look right, or if you’re unsure whether it’s from our office, you can email summitdcs@cityofsummit.org or landuse@cityofsummit.org before taking any action. Furthermore, if you believe you are a victim of fraud, you should submit a police report with the City’s non-emergency number here: 908-273-0051

If you have any questions, please contact us at 908-273-6407. We appreciate your attention and cooperation.