Scam Alert: Fake City invoices and payment requests

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is warning residents, businesses and development applicants about fraudulent invoices appearing to come from the City. 

Fraudsters may use information from public documents, including real property addresses, permit applications, project details and the names of City employees. The presence of accurate information or a City logo does not 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 urgent demands, threats of application delays and 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 on the official City of Hamilton website. 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, you can report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help authorities track and prevent scams and follow any additional guidance on that site. 

If you have already sent money to a potential fraudster, contact your financial institution immediately and ask whether the payment can be stopped or recalled. Report the incident to Hamilton Police Service (HPS) by using the non-emergency line at 905-546-4925. More information is also available at the HPS Frauds and Scams website.