BEVERLY, MA — Beverly police are warning local businesses and residents after learning of an attempted scam involving a fake business license application invoice.
The Beverly Police Department said a business owner recently received mail that appeared to be an invoice from the City of Beverly for a business license application.
According to police, the mailing was not actually sent by the city and included inaccurate contact information. Police said the business owner did not owe the city any money, despite what the invoice claimed.
The department is urging the community to use caution when reviewing bills or other requests for payment that appear to come from city government.
Police reminded residents and businesses that all City of Beverly email addresses end in beverlyma.gov, and said official city business is conducted through official email addresses, telephone numbers and mailing addresses.
Scams are increasingly common nationwide, according to the department, and police encouraged businesses to make sure employees know how to spot warning signs. The department said staff should review invoices carefully and pay extra attention to any request for payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Anyone with questions about an invoice can contact the city department listed on that invoice by calling 978-921-6000, police said.
"We want to warn community members to be wary of any invoices received, and encourage them to contact City Hall with any questions or concerns," Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur said. "Education and prevention are the best ways to fight against these scam attempts."
Beverly police said they are investigating in hopes of determining the source of the fraudulent invoice.
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