Chattanooga, TN, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The City of Chattanooga is alerting residents about fraudulent ‘code violation’ flyers being distributed throughout neighborhoods. These deceptive flyers, posing as city communications, demand unauthorized payments from homeowners for alleged code violations. City officials confirm that the flyers do not originate from any official city department and urge residents to report any suspicious activity. Homeowners are reminded to verify any claims by contacting the Land Development Office directly.
Chattanooga Officials Warn Residents of Scammers Distributing Fraudulent ‘Code Violation’ Flyers
The City of Chattanooga has issued a warning to residents about a wave of fraudulent ‘code violation’ flyers that are being distributed in neighborhoods throughout the city. These flyers falsely claim to represent the city’s Public Works Department and demand ‘compensation’ from homeowners for potential code violations.
According to city officials, these deceptive flyers are not affiliated with any city department and have been circulated by a private company soliciting business from homeowners. The flyers encourage residents to either sell their properties or hire the scam organization for repair services, which they claim are necessary due to alleged code violations.
City representatives have clarified that the flyers do not originate from the Chattanooga Land Development Office or any other official city department. Furthermore, the City of Chattanooga does not employ private companies to solicit businesses based on code violations, ensuring that residents are protected from such fraudulent activities.
Reports of these flyers have emerged from various neighborhoods across the city, raising concerns among residents who might be unaware of the scam. The private company responsible for distributing the flyers does not have access to any official city data regarding property code compliance, making their claims unfounded.
Homeowners who receive these unsolicited flyers should be vigilant and recognize that the company responsible has no legitimate relationship with the City of Chattanooga. To protect themselves, residents are encouraged to report any incidents involving these flyers to the public works department by calling (423) 643-7307.
For any concerns about actual code violations or to verify the identity of an employee claiming to represent the city, residents are advised to reach out directly to the Land Development Office at (423) 643-5800. This will help to ensure they are receiving accurate information from official city sources.
The City of Chattanooga continues to prioritize the safety and welfare of its residents. By staying informed and proactively reporting suspicious activity, homeowners can protect themselves from scams and maintain the integrity of their community.
Background Information
Scams targeting homeowners are not new and have become increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for residents to remain alert. Fraudulent practices like these not only threaten the financial stability of individuals but also undermine the trust within the community. Official city departments have never endorsed such tactics, and the public is encouraged to verify any communication regarding property compliance through proper channels.
Heightened awareness and direct communication with the city’s official offices can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams like these. Homeowners are reminded to approach any unsolicited offers with skepticism and to always seek verification from credible sources.
FAQ
What should I do if I receive a fraudulent code violation flyer?
If you receive a fraudulent flyer, contact the City of Chattanooga’s Public Works Department at (423) 643-7307 to report the incident. Additionally, you can contact the Land Development Office at (423) 643-5800 for any questions regarding code violations.
Are these flyers affiliated with the City of Chattanooga?
No, the flyers are not endorsed or approved by the City of Chattanooga. They are distributed by a private company with no official partnership or relationship with the city.
How can I verify the identity of someone claiming to be a city employee?
To verify the identity of a city employee, residents should contact the Land Development Office at (423) 643-5800 for confirmation.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fraudulent Flyers | Distributed by a private company demanding compensation and offering repairs. |
| No Official Endorsement | The City of Chattanooga does not approve or send private companies for solicitation. |
| Reporting Incidents | Residents should report suspicious flyers to (423) 643-7307. |
| Verification of Code Violations | Residents can contact the Land Development Office at (423) 643-5800 to verify claims. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Warns of Scammers
- Chattanooga Pulse: Law Enforcement Warns of Scams
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s Top Planner News
- Times Free Press: Inside Michael Chitwood’s Story
- Wikipedia: Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
