Scam Alert: Fake City Invoices and Payment Requests

The City of Hamilton is warning residents, businesses and development applicants about fraudulent invoices and payment requests that may appear to come from the City.

Fraudsters may use information found in public documents, including real property addresses, permit applications, project details and the names of City employees. Accurate information or the presence of a City logo does not necessarily mean a message is legitimate.

The City will never request payments, deposits, banking information, passwords, verification codes or other sensitive information through personal, unofficial or non-City email accounts.

Watch for warning signs such as:

• Urgent demands for payment

• Threats that an application or project will be delayed

• Requests for banking information, passwords or verification codes

• Email addresses that do not exactly match an official City domain

Before making a payment, contact the City directly using the phone number or contact information published at hamilton.ca. Do not use the phone number, link or payment instructions contained in a suspicious message.

If you believe you have received a fraudulent email or message, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you have already sent money to a potential fraudster:

1. Contact your financial institution immediately and ask whether the payment can be stopped or recalled.

2. Report the incident to Hamilton Police Service through its non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.

Additional information is available on the Hamilton Police Service Frauds and Scams webpage.