State warns business, government about scam

MADISON (AP) -- The state of Wisconsin is warning business owners and city governments to watch out for a scam involving fake invoices for telecommunications services.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says businesses and city government offices around the state have recently received $425 invoices for a "telecom maintenance agreement.''

The apparent invoice comes from a company in California, even though no purchases were made from the business. Written complaints have been made by the cities of Eau Claire and Racine and businesses in Waupun, Green Bay and Elkhorn.

The state's Consumer Protection Bureau says it has sent the company an official warning concerning their violations of state and federal laws prohibiting solicitations disguised as bills.