DIXON – The Lee County Sheriff’s Department is warning businesses of a scam involving an international business directory.
People are calling businesses, churches and nonprofit groups, claiming to be a directory company verifying addresses by phone or fax to confirm existing phonebook listings, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Once the businesses verify the information, the company signs them up for services and sends several invoices demanding payment or threatening legal action. The directories are never distributed or promoted as promised, but are simply websites with various business listings, the Sheriff’s Department reported in a news release.
The scammers are based internationally, but use post office boxes or mail drops to appear as if they are in the United States.
If your business has been targeted, call the Sheriff’s Department at 815-284-6631.