SALISBURY — Police are investigating after a woman reported receiving a letter from the government telling her she owed over $16,000 to repay a federal loan that she never applied for.

Police were notified on Wednesday by the victim, who said that she received a letter from the federal government notifying her that a $16,713 repayment for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan was due, said Major Justin Crews, public information officer for the Salisbury Police Department. The victim then notified police and told them that despite being a business owner she had never applied for or received a federal loan.

Crews said that someone likely used the victim’s personal information and applied for the loan, adding that the department had not identified any suspects as of Friday. Police reports indicate that the fraud by impersonation occurred at some point between Jan. 1, 2021 and March 19, 2024.