Chesapeake In The Know

The City recently became aware of a scam involving an individual posing as a representative of the Department of Development & Permits. The person asked for detailed personal information, something Development & Permits does not do. In fact, most City Departments do not routinely ask for personal information over the phone (beyond address and phone number if those are necessary to address concerns and provide responses).

If you receive a call or email that seems fishy to you, consider a few things.  Are you being contacted unexpectedly? Are they pushing you to do something or pay something, particularly involving personal information?  Is there a sense of urgency that you must act now?  All of these things might help you determine whether or not it’s a scam.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be a City employee and you’re suspicious of the call, hang up and call the Customer Contact Center at 382-2489. Explain to them who the caller claimed to be and what they were asking. They’ll direct you to the Department in question who can look into the validity of your concern.  If you’re sure it’s a scam, hang up and report it to the non-emergency police line at 382-6161.