By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Coral Gables has issued a public warning about a scam targeting applicants with items on upcoming Planning and Zoning Board agendas. At least one person has received a fraudulent letter—appearing to use official city letterhead—demanding payment of additional fees and instructing the recipient to wire funds to an unauthorized account.

According to city officials, Coral Gables will never request payment by wire transfer, and applicants should be cautious if they receive any unexpected correspondence related to pending development or zoning applications.

One incident reported locally

Martha Pantin, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the City of Coral Gables, said that while similar scams have been reported in other South Florida communities, only one local case has been identified so far.

“We were advised by the City Attorney’s Office that they received information indicating this type of scam has occurred in other South Florida communities,” Pantin said. “In the City of Coral Gables, we are aware of only one instance. In that case, an applicant contacted our Development Services Department after receiving what appeared to be an official request to wire funds. We immediately advised the applicant not to proceed.”

Pantin said the city acted quickly to inform the public through its E-News system and by posting a fraud alert on the city’s homepage, reminding residents and applicants that Coral Gables never asks anyone to wire money under any circumstances.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to share this information more broadly,” she said. “While this issue primarily affects applicants with items before the Planning and Zoning Board, we believe the broader public should also remain vigilant and verify any suspicious requests directly with the city.”

What applicants should do

The city’s advisory outlines several important reminders for applicants and residents to help prevent potential fraud:

• Do not wire money. The City of Coral Gables does not request payment by wire transfer for any Planning and Zoning or Board item.
• Verify any request. Always confirm fee notices or documentation directly through the city’s official channels at CoralGables.com or with your known city staff contact. Do not rely on contact information listed in a suspicious letter or email.
• Report fraud immediately. If you receive a fraudulent or questionable request, do not pay. Contact the Coral Gables Police non-emergency line at 305-442-1600.

If payment was sent:

• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to attempt to stop or recover the transaction.
• Save all related correspondence, including letters, emails, and invoices.
• Call the Coral Gables Police Department at 305-442-1600 to file a report.

City officials also emphasized that this type of scam may target individuals unfamiliar with municipal procedures, particularly those working with consultants or contractors who manage applications on their behalf.

Broader vigilance urged

Pantin said the city’s message is intended for more than just development professionals. “Even though this scam primarily affects Planning and Zoning Board applicants,” she said, “everyone should take the same precautions when they receive unsolicited requests for payment or personal information.”

Residents are encouraged to stay alert for any communication—whether by mail, email, or text—that demands payment or includes unfamiliar contact information. The city continues to coordinate with its City Attorney’s Office, Development Services Department, and Coral Gables Police Department to ensure any suspicious cases are investigated and reported.

For questions or to verify the legitimacy of any city-related correspondence, residents and applicants can contact City Hall directly through the phone numbers and email addresses listed at www.CoralGables.com.