Madison Clerk Issues Warning Regarding Liquor License Phishing Scams | The Locally Times
City officials alert business owners to fraudulent payment requests involving cryptocurrency and wire transfers.
On July 8, 2026, the City of Madison Clerk's Office issued an urgent warning to local liquor license holders regarding sophisticated phishing attempts. Scammers are using publicly accessible application and license data to create convincing emails that target business owners. These fraudulent communications instruct victims to settle license fees through unconventional methods, such as peer-to-peer payments, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. To ensure security, the Clerk's Office advises that all official emails originate exclusively from the @cityofmadison.com domain. License holders are encouraged to verify the status of their accounts or the legitimacy of payment requests by contacting the Clerk's Office at 608-266-4601 or the City Treasurer at 608-266-4771. Legitimate payments for licenses may be processed in person at City offices, via mail using a check, or by phone through the City Treasurer. Business owners should remain vigilant and independently confirm any suspicious requests to avoid falling victim to these 2026 scams.