Scam alert in Fort Walton Beach: City leaders warn fake invoices referencing local projects are circulating in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – City officials in Fort Walton Beach are warning residents to stay vigilant after reports surfaced of fraudulent bills circulating in the community, falsely claiming to come from the city’s Growth Management Department.
The alert comes after several residents contacted the city about suspicious payment requests tied to permitting services. At first glance, the documents appeared convincing. They displayed the city’s official seal, referenced specific projects, and even included the names of actual city employees.
The notices also contained links directing recipients to make an online payment, a detail that made the bills seem legitimate to some.
However, city officials say the requests are entirely fraudulent.
According to the City of Fort Walton Beach, residents should be aware that the city does not send bills directly for services related to permitting, inspections, planning applications, Community Redevelopment Agency matters, Business Tax Receipts, or code enforcement cases. Any message requesting payment for those services outside the city’s official system should be treated with caution.
Instead, the city uses a digital platform called My Government Online, often referred to as MGO, to manage applications and payments for these services. Residents who submit applications for permits or related services create a secure account within the MGO system using a personal username and password. Through that portal, applicants can monitor the status of their submissions, review applicable fees, and complete payments safely.
City leaders emphasize that all legitimate billing for permitting and similar services will appear within the MGO portal tied to the user’s account. If a resident receives an unexpected bill or payment request claiming to come directly from the city, officials urge them not to follow any links or provide payment information.
Instead, residents are encouraged to contact the Growth Management Department to verify the request. The department can be reached at 850-833-9504 and staff members are available to help confirm whether a notice is legitimate.
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Officials say the warning is part of an ongoing effort to protect residents from scams that increasingly use official logos and detailed information to appear authentic. Anyone who receives a questionable bill is encouraged to report it so the city can continue monitoring the situation and alert others if necessary.
