Huntsville Utilities has been made aware of a fraudulent document scam.

According to the Treasury Department's Office of Inspector General, scammers are using fraudulent promissory notes and/or private bonds as ways to defraud people out of their money.

In essence, the scammer tells the target that this is a secure way for them to pay any debts they may owe. The target gives the money to the scammer, who then gives them these worthless documents. The target only finds out they are worthless when they try to use them.

As of this writing, Huntsville Utilities has received five such fraudulent documents from customers. If you are contacted by someone attempting to provide you with so-called "negotiable instruments," DO NOT AGREE TO GIVE THEM ANY MONEY! It is a scam!

Contact local law enforcement immediately! 

You can learn more on the Treasury Department's website here: https://oig.treasury.gov/fraud-alerts_index