The City of Hallowell has issued a fraud alert to residents concerning fake invoices circulating in the community.
The press release says The City of Hallowell does not send invoices requesting wire payments.
It has come to our attention that applicants MAY receive a fraudulent invoice falsely claiming to be from the City of Hallowell Planning Board. This fake invoice requests immediate wire payment for fabricated fees.
THIS IS A SCAM. DO NOT PAY.
DO NOT SIGN OR RETURN ANY DOCUMENT.
DO NOT REQUEST WIRE TRANSFER DETAILS.What to Watch Out For:
Requests for wire payment
Claims of “Legal & Compliance Evaluation” fees
Use of phrases like “Confirmation Details” and sign and return the invoice
An invoice number like EPC-HPB-242017
Fabricated breakdowns such as:
“Licensure & Certification Approval Fee”
“Recordkeeping & Inclusion in Official Agenda”What the City of Hallowell WILL NEVER DO:
Ask for wire transfers for application or permit fees
Email invoices with vague instructions
Request signatures or payment confirmations by email for official city business
Officials remind residents that if you do receive one, do not respond and do not send a payment. Also, please report it immediately to the City Clerk or Code Enforcement Officer.
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