Authorities across the United States are warning homeowners to be on the lookout for imposters who are disguising themselves as utility workers to talk their way through people’s front doors.

Individuals claiming to represent the “water company” or another utility will approach the resident and use a variety of excuses to enter the home. For example, they are supposedly investigating a “dirty water” complaint by a neighbor or checking water pressure due to a main break nearby. Once inside the home, the imposters typically divert the resident’s attention by sending him/her to the basement or kitchen to run a faucet while they or an accomplice robs another area of the home.

You can prevent utility imposters from targeting you by taking precautions to protect yourself. It is extremely rare for Clackamas River Water staff to show up at a customer’s home without an appointment. If a stranger shows up to your house claiming he or she is with your utility…

• Do not open the door for someone you do not recognize.
• Ask for identification through the window, such as a company ID badge that displays the name, photo, and ID number of that person.
• Clackamas River Water will NEVER ask for payment at the time of service.
• Know that even if you have past-due on your bills, your utility will send you notifications in writing before services are cut off.
• Feel free to call the Clackamas River Water at 503-722-9220 to confirm worker activity, especially if there is need to access the home or if they observe suspicious activity.
• If you experience suspicious activity at your home, notify the police as soon as possible.

Check out the recent ABC News report on utility imposters here.