CASS COUNTY, Mich. -- Cass County is working to raise awareness about a scam making its way around the county, asking individuals and businesses to pay the "Cass County Planning Commission" for development-related expenses.

Cass County has received several reports from those receiving these invoices asking for payment for application review, zoning assessments, legal fees, and public notices, among other expenses.

The county government has stated that it does not issue invoices for any reason, nor does it handle zoning and land use, which is administered at the local level. The Cass County Planning Commission doesn't collect fees from applicants, developers, businesses, or residents.

The scam comes with several potential warning signs, including demands for wire transfer payments, requests to reply directly to an email address for payment instructions, and unexpected invoices without prior communication from a local administrator or office.

If you receive a suspicious invoice, Cass County asks you to avoid providing any information or payment and instead reach out to local officials to verify the invoice is legitimate.