City News

SCAM ALERT
Important – Warning for Residents and Businesses of Email Phishing Scam

The City of Northfield is aware of an email scam targeting individuals and businesses, where the sender falsely claims to represent the City of Northfield. The scam involves fraudulent invoices being emailed to applicants who have applied for relief to the City’s combined Planning and Zoning Board.

We are proactively advising our residents to be vigilant.

How the Scam Works

Scammers are using information taken directly from publicly posted Planning and Zoning Board agendas on municipal websites. They then:

• Create fake invoices that appear to come from the municipality
• Use the City logo and names of actual staff members
• Reference real meeting dates and legitimate application information
• Send these fraudulent invoices to Planning Board applicants
• Demand large payments via wire transfer, claiming the money is required for your application or for a Board hearing
• Provide a spoofed email address that looks similar to an official municipal domain

Because these invoices contain accurate details, they may appear legitimate, especially for applicants who may not be familiar with municipal processes.

This scam has been seen in other municipalities as well, where scammers have also impersonated municipal Construction Office staff.
Important Reminder

The City of Northfield NEVER requests payment by wire transfer or credit card for Planning Board matters or Construction fees.

All legitimate payments for Planning Board matters or Construction-related permits must be made in the form of cash, check, or money order only, payable in person, or by mail sent to 1600 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 08225.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Invoice

• Do NOT send money
• Do NOT respond to the email listed on the invoice
• Contact the Planning Board Secretary or the Construction Office directly
• Report the incident to the City of Northfield Police Department (609-641-3122)

Planning Board Secretary (609-641-2832, ext. 127)
Construction Office (609-641-2832 ext. 141)

NEW LEAD BASED PAINT LAW - LETTER TO RESIDENTS
If you received a notice advising you that your property is impacted by NJ's Lead Safe Law, but your property is NOT a rental property, why did you get this notice?

If you're a single-family home, your property could have been flagged as a potential rental because your property address differs from your tax billing address. If you are a two-family home, your property could have been flagged under the assumption that at least one of the units is rented. There are various circumstances that may lead to a property being flagged as a potential rental, and we have partnered with LEW Environmental to ensure the records are accurate. If you believe your property has been incorrectly identified as having a rental unit, contact LEW Environmental using the number provided in your letter, or scan the QR code in the copy provided here to quickly and easily update the city's rental records.
Click here for sample letter

WHERE DO YOUR 2025 TAX DOLLARS GO?
In NJ, your property tax bill pays for local government, school and county expenses. The City of Northfield collects your property taxes, and distributes most of this money to the other entities. So where exactly does your money go? Please see the chart using the link provided. Roughly 29 cents of every dollar is retained by the City of Northfield for the purpose of providing all municipal services, including public safety, and the other 71 cents is sent to the local and regional schools, and to Atlantic County government, to fund the services they provide.
CLICK HERE FOR PIE CHART

HOMETOWN HEROES BANNER PROGRAM
The City of Northfield Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a living tribute created for the community to recognize and honor our Northfield Veterans who are serving or who have served our Country in a branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Banners are 18”x36”, and constructed on 22 oz heavy weight block out vinyl. They are double sided print along with aluminum mounting brackets. They will include the Honoree’s photograph, name, rank and branch of military, era of service, and medal (if applicable).

Banners will be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, on the bike path. See flyer and application for full details.
CLICK HERE FOR FLYER AND APPLICATION

NJ DCA WINTER TERMINATION PROGRAM
If you are having trouble paying your residential electric, sewer and water service bills this winter, the NJ Department of Community Affairs has a program to protect you from having these utilities turned off from November 15 through March 15. See flyer for details.

NJ DCA WINTER TERMINATION PROGRAM FLYER

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH DISCLAIMER
The "Northfield Neighborhood Watch” and its members are independent of, not in any way officially or unofficially connected, affiliated or associated with, sponsored, authorized or endorsed by the City of Northfield, or any of its officers, elected officials, offices or departments including, but not limited to, the Common Council for the City of Northfield and/or the Northfield Police Department.