Chesapeake is warning customers about a questionable invoice from a California company. Local Chesapeake customers have reported receiving an invoice for $450 for “Telecom Maintenance” from UST, which also calls itself US Telecom.

According to the invoices, the business is located in La Verne, California. It even has a seemingly legitimate website, 800 number and FAX number.

The scam is simple. UST sends invoices to companies in the hope that they are too busy to question it, and will simply write a check and send it along.

The company has left a trail of complaints nationwide. According to the Better Business Bureau in California, UST claims that the invoice is not for services rendered, but for preventative telephone system maintenance for the year to come, making it a “solicitation”.

The BBB believes this invoice is misleading and does not meet solicitation requirements set by the U.S. Postal Service.

Chesapeake advises customers to be on the lookout for this scam by carefully reviewing all bills and invoices. When encountering an invoice from an unfamiliar firm, verify it with the person in your company who gives purchase authorization for telecom services.

Need help with your telecom services and networks? Contact us: (800) 787-4848 or jnolte@chesapeaketelephone.com.