Pause Before You Pay

Published on March 03, 2026

The City of Wilmington is aware of fraudulent emails being sent to Development and Permitting Services (DPS) applicants requesting payment via wire transfer. These scam emails often include legitimate project details—such as an address, parcel number, or case number—pulled from public records but contain fake invoices with inflated fees and false payment instructions. These emails are not from the City.

How City Payments Work

For Development and Permitting Services applications:

• Applications are submitted, and invoices are generated through the City’s official DPS platform
• Outstanding balances can be viewed in your DPS dashboard.
• The City’s fee schedule is established annually and posted online for comparison.
• Accepted Payment Methods:

• Online payment portal
• In person at 929 N. Front St.
• By phone at 910-343-4745
• By mail

Regular Mail
City of Wilmington
Attn: Collections
P.O. Box 1810
Wilmington, NC 28402

Express Mail:
929 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401

What the City Will Never Do

• Request payment via unsolicited email
• Ask for payment by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
• Issue invoices asking applicants to contact someone by email or phone to provide payment
• Send official invoices from non-City email addresses. Note: The City does allow legitimate invoices from noreply@epl.wilmingtonnc.gov. This is the City’s third-party vendor, EPL.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message

• Do not respond, click links, download attachments, or send payment
• Verify the request and report suspicious emails with the City
• • Planning Department: 910-254-0900
  • Email: zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov

If you believe you or someone you know has been financially impacted, contact local law enforcement.

A Broader Reminder: Online Safety Best Practices

Even when scams are directed externally, they serve as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant in our daily digital interactions.

Spot the Red Flags

• Urgent messages pressuring you to act fast
• Requests for payment outside normal City processes
• Misspelled email addresses or look-alike City domains
• Generic greetings
• Spelling errors, threats, or “too good to be true” offers

Protect Yourself at Work and at Home

• Always verify requests using official phone numbers, not the ones provided in the email
• Never send payment, wire transfers, or gift cards at someone’s request
• Avoid clicking unfamiliar links
• Don’t download unexpected attachments
• Never share login credentials
• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable multi-factor authentication where available
• Keep devices and apps updated to protect against security vulnerabilities
• Avoid sharing personal details on social media or public sites
• Monitor bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity
• Only shop on secure websites (look for https:// and the lock icon)
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, stop and verify before sending money