Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Sophisticated Scam Targets Current & Pending Application Submissions NEWPORT, R.I. (WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026) – The City of Newport is warning of a sophisticated scam targeting businesses and individuals with pending or current applications before the City. The letters, portending to be from the Newport Planning Commission, references valid applications submitted as part of a public docket. Residents and businesses are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious communications immediately. If you suspect that you’ve received – or paid – a fraudulent invoice, please contact the City of Newport IT Department at (401) 845- 5400 or the Newport Police Department at (401) 847-1306 The scam involves emails containing fake invoices requesting payment for permit review or Planning Commission application fees, often directing recipient to send wire transfers to complete permit processing and featuring official City branding. Residents and business owners are advised that the City of Newport will never request permit or application fees via wire transfer and will never ask for payment outside of formal channels. All official payments are processed through official City systems, or in-person at City buildings. If you receive a potentially fraudulent invoice, please DO NOT SEND PAYMENT, or reply to the email. Individuals who may have already sent payment should contact their bank and report the incident to local law enforcement.
Current signs of the scam to be aware of include:
Any invoice originating from the “City of Newport Planning Commission.”
Requests for wire transfer payments
Instructions to reply by email to obtain payment details
Email addresses not clearly associated with the City of Newport (@cityofnewport.com or @newportri.gov)