Be Aware: Scam Emails Impersonate D.C. Agencies and Request Fraudulent Payments

Holland & Knight's D.C. and Northern Virginia Land Use Team has recently been made aware of fraudulent emails targeting applicants following the filing of Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) applications in the District of Columbia. These messages may appear highly credible and often indicate that the recipient has been "accepted" or must take immediate action, followed by instructions to submit payment through a provided link.

Scammers are using publicly available application details – including zoning case numbers, property information and applicant names – to make these communications appear legitimate. In some cases, the emails have also been falsely attributed to government officials or individuals – including Anita Cozart, Director of the Office of Planning of the District of Columbia – to further enhance their credibility.

These fraudulent messages may request payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency or peer-to-peer payment platforms, and may include deceptive links, attachments or requests for sensitive personal or financial information.

Please review the DC Office of Zoning's (DCOZ) official alert for additional details.

Important Reminders

• Official communications from the DCOZ will always come from a verified .dc.gov email address.
• DCOZ will never request payment of fees via wire transfer or through unofficial payment methods.

Recommended Precautions

• Verify the sender's email address carefully, including the full domain (the portion after the @ symbol).
• Do not click on links or download attachments from unexpected or suspicious emails.
• Do not respond to unsolicited messages requesting payment or personal information.
• Do not submit payment through links or payment methods provided in unsolicited communications.
• Confirm any requests directly with your attorney before taking action.

If You Receive a Suspicious Email

• Report it to your information technology or cybersecurity team, if applicable.
• Contact DCOZ directly at dcoz@dc.gov or +1.202.727.6311 to verify legitimacy.
• You may also forward the message to your contact from Holland & Knight's D.C. and Northern Virginia Land Use Team so we can assist.

Holland & Knight Can Help

Holland & Knight's D.C. and Northern Virginia Land Use Team is actively monitoring this issue and is available to answer any questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the team if you receive any suspicious communications.

Information contained in this alert is for the general education and knowledge of our readers. It is not designed to be, and should not be used as, the sole source of information when analyzing and resolving a legal problem, and it should not be substituted for legal advice, which relies on a specific factual analysis. Moreover, the laws of each jurisdiction are different and are constantly changing. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. If you have specific questions regarding a particular fact situation, we urge you to consult the authors of this publication, your Holland & Knight representative or other competent legal counsel.