Residents Receiving Fraudulent Invoices City of Cortland Code Offices Warns

The City of Cortland is warning residents of fraudulent invoices sent to those who have submitted applications to the City Zoning Board of Appeals and/or the City of Cortland Planning Commission. The invoices sent out are made to appear to be from the City of Cortland and request payment for services or listings the city did not authorize, charge for, or recognize.

Further investigation into the fake invoices found the fake invoices are being created by using public information posted through the City of Cortland’s website on their Public Notice page. These notices where the information may be found are part of the legal requirements for public notices on the city website.

City of Cortland Code Enforcement Captain, Roy Everett, told X101 News there was no data breach or unauthorized access to internal city records and all information obtained in the fraudulent invoices was obtained through publicly released information.

Residents are reminded to never pay any invoices unless it comes directly from the City of Cortland with the city’s official letterhead and recognizable contact information. The City of Cortland added the city does not charge applicants for any third-party publication or registry services outside the standard application fees disclosed during the formal submission process.

Anyone who has received a suspicious invoice is asked to contact Cortland Code Enforcement by calling their office at (607) 753-1741 to verify its authenticity.

“The City is currently coordinating with appropriate authorities to address this issue and will pursue any available avenues to prevent further fraudulent activity. Anyone receiving a similar solicitation is urged to Contact The City of Cortland Police Department At (607)756-2811 As soon as possible. The City of Cortland is only aware of this happening within its jurisdictional boundaries; however potential does exist for other municipalities to be affected given the commonality of similar public notifications. Any Concerns outside City of Cortland boundaries should be directed to CCSD at (607)753-3311.” Everett said in a release.

An image of the fraudulent invoice, sent via email, may be found below. Images courtesy of City of Cortland Codes Department.