Beverly Police Warn Community About Business License Application Scam

BEVERLY — The Beverly Police Department is warning the community about an attempted business application and business license scam that police have become aware of. 

Recently, a business owner received mail purporting to be an invoice from the City of Beverly for a business license application, but the mail was not actually sent by the City and also contained inaccurate contact information for the City. 

The business owner involved did not owe the City any money, despite the claims in the fake invoice. 

Police would like to remind residents that all City of Beverly email addresses end in beverlyma.gov. 

It is important to keep in mind that all official city business is done through official email addresses, telephone numbers and mailing addresses. 

Scams are increasingly common nationwide, and police encourage all businesses to train employees to be aware of scams and to take measures to protect the business. 

All invoices should be checked closely by staff, and extra attention should be paid to any invoice requesting payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. 

Anyone who has questions about an invoice they have received can contact the City of Beverly department referenced on the invoice by calling 978-921-6000.

“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,” said Chief John LeLacheur. “Education and prevention are the best ways to fight against these scam attempts.”

Beverly Police are investigating the source of the fraudulent invoice. 

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