TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () — Authorities have issued a caution about fraudulent invoices being sent to businesses on Tybee Island related to community development initiatives, according to a post on the city’s Facebook page.

The City of Tybee said not to pay vague invoices, such as a “City Compensation Fee”.

Certain steps can be taken to identify whether an invoice is fake, the city says:

1. If the email is not from the cityoftybee.gov or cityoftybee.org domain, it’s fake.
2. If the invoice is issued by the Planning Commission, it’s fake.
3. If the invoice will only accept payment by wire transfer, it’s fake.
4. If the payment instructions forbid you to call or come in person to pay or discuss the invoice, it’s fake.
5. If city staff didn’t inform you about these costs prior to your receiving an invoice, it’s fake.

The city recommended calling city hall if a resident has any questions about payments.

Additionally, if any money has been sent to scammers, a police report can be filed with Tybee Island Police Department.