KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is warning residents, property owners and business owners about fraudulent invoices being circulated by scammers who are falsely claiming the bills were issued by city government.
According to a warning issued Sunday, Sept. 14, the fake invoices have claimed to come from the city’s Licenses & Permits Committee and have demanded payment for supposed processing fees, zoning and compliance assessments, legal and administrative fees, public notices and other costs. In some cases, recipients are instructed to send money by bank transfer to unauthorized individuals or entities.
The fraudulent documents can look convincing, including City of Kenosha logos and official-looking formatting. The city included examples of the fraudulent bills with its warning, including one purported Planning Commission invoice seeking $4,800 and directing the recipient to pay by wire transfer.
City officials said the Licenses & Permits Committee does not issue invoices for services. They also reminded residents that legitimate City of Kenosha email addresses end in “@kenosha.org.”
“The public is encouraged to question any invoice they were not expecting,” City Administrator John Morrissey said. “Fraud prevention starts with diligence, any invoice representing the City of Kenosha should be carefully reviewed and verified. Verifying before payment helps prevent fraud and protects your finances.”
What To Do If You Receive A Suspicious Invoice
Residents who receive a suspicious invoice should not make a payment. The city recommends contacting the Clerk & Treasurer’s Office at 262-653-4020 to verify whether the bill is legitimate and contacting any city department named in the document.
Suspected fraud can also be reported to the Kenosha Police Department’s non-emergency line at 262-656-1234.
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