Healdsburg, California police warned local vendors about a nationwide scam promoting a fake 'Joyful Christmas Crafts Market' to collect vendor fees for a non‑existent event. Authorities advised vendors to verify organizers directly and avoid sending money or booking without confirmed contacts.

Local law enforcement in Healdsburg, California issued an alert after scammers circulated convincing flyers advertising a 'Joyful Christmas Crafts Market' and solicited vendor fees for an event that did not exist. The flyers used realistic dates, locations, and graphics, and the perpetrators collected vendor payments via online transfers or payment apps before the fabricated market was scheduled to occur. Police warned that scammers often reuse venue names and event details drawn from legitimate calendars to build credibility and pressure targets into paying quickly. Officials urged vendors to verify organizers through known municipal event offices, confirm named contacts by phone, request contracts with traceable credentials, and avoid wiring funds or paying fees without verifiable documentation. The advisory also encouraged reporting suspected fraud to local police and consumer protection agencies to help investigators track patterns and block repeat offenders. Vendors were reminded that genuine community events typically coordinate with city permit offices and established merchant associations, and that simple verification steps can prevent losses and reputational damage.