East Hampton zoning board warns of fraudulent land‑use fee communications

The Village of East Hampton’s zoning board opened its May 8 meeting with a warning about fraudulent communications that appear to seek payment for land‑use applications.

Village attorney Tim Hill told the board that “communications that are being sent out that are fraudulent and not being originated by the village” have been circulating and may “purport to reflect that there’s a bill due or charge being made by the village in connection with land use applications.” He said the only payment the village accepts in connection with an application is the fee paid at filing, and urged anyone who receives such a message not to pay and to report it to village officials.

Hill said similar scams have appeared across the East End and stressed that the village posts application information online “to be in compliance with the open meetings law and also just as a service to the public.” He asked the public to spread the word that any invoice-like communication purporting to be from the village should be treated with suspicion.

The board did not take formal action beyond the public notice; Hill said village staff are investigating options but for now are focused on warning residents and preventing payments to fraudulent senders.