EASTHAMPTON — Police are investigating a possible scam from a group saying they are from the City Directory’s Office of Easthampton which has been attempting to sell advertisements in the publication “Business Directory for the City of Easthampton.”
Officer Chad Alexander said some city businesses have been contacted by phone to donate and another business was solicited by someone representing the group in person. He said police are working to get surveillance footage.
A flyer from the group says “The Business Directory will contain historic facts about our city, local events and important community information.”
It goes on to say each annual issue will feature kids programs, elderly services and local charitable organizations in Easthampton. The advertisements range from $1,295 centerfold to a quarter page space for $195.
“So far, no one has lost any money,” Alexander said on Friday afternoon.
Alexander said the flyer for the group lists an address for a fake P.O. box. He said the group also is not on record with the city clerk’s office and is not affiliated with the city. Police wrote on a post on Facebook Friday that the Easthampton Chamber of Commerce has confirmed there is no current advertising campaign to establish a business directory in the city.
Alexander said detectives are still investigating the reports and did not release any further information.
If the group is posing as a city office, Alexander said they could face charges of attempt to commit a crime, and possibly larceny if money was obtained in a scheme.
Alexander said if anyone has donated to the group, they should contact the Easthampton Police Department at 527-1212.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.