A scammer impersonated an Abbotsford city employee and sent a fraudulent invoice to a developer, according to city officials. The incident, which occurred recently, has prompted a warning from authorities about the importance of verifying billing information before making payments.
Details of the Scam
The scammer posed as a worker from the City of Abbotsford and issued a fake invoice to a local developer. The developer received the document and, upon closer inspection, realized it was not legitimate. The city confirmed that no such invoice was issued and that the employee's name was used without authorization.
Officials are urging businesses and individuals to be cautious when receiving unsolicited invoices. They recommend verifying the authenticity of any billing document by contacting the city directly using official phone numbers or email addresses listed on the city's website.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify invoices by calling the organization using a known number.
- Check for inconsistencies in formatting, logos, or contact information.
- Do not pay without confirming the legitimacy of the request.
The Abbotsford Police Department is investigating the incident. No arrests have been made yet, but authorities are following leads to identify the perpetrator.
This scam is part of a broader trend of fraudulent billing schemes targeting businesses across Canada. Similar incidents have been reported in other municipalities, with scammers exploiting trust in official communications.
City officials emphasize that they never request payment via email or phone without prior written confirmation. Residents and businesses are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
