WARNING: Deceptive message pretending to be from Beaufort Planning Commission

BEAUFORT, S.C. () – The Lowcountry Regional MLS is warning individuals about as recent scam they have been made aware of. The scam involves a fraudulent message impersonating the City of Beaufort Planning Commission.

Property owners or applicants are sent an email referencing rezoning requests and demanding payment of a fake “Application Review & Approval Fee.”

Below are a few key red flags in the fraudulent correspondence:

• The message instructs recipients to reply for wire transfer instructions—this is a common tactic used by scammers to evade traceability.
• The correspondence contains formatting inconsistencies, typographical errors, and vague references to legitimate government processes.
• The message claims the rezoning has been “recommended for approval” before fee payment. This is not standard municipal procedure.

If you’ve already responded or made a payment:

• Report the incident to your financial institution immediately.
• File a report with local law enforcement and the SC Department of Consumer Affairs.
• Stay vigilant. Scammers continue to evolve their methods, including impersonating trusted local institutions. Always verify before you pay.