SCAM ALERT - Press Release from City of Raleigh re people posing as Public Utility Workers (homes)

[lovebrentwood]

This was posted to our neighborhood discussion group by someone from the City of Raleigh... I hadn't heard of this and thought I'd pass it along...

August 12, 2011

Beware of People Posing as Public Utilities Workers

The City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department has recently received complaints from citizens about persons claiming to be department employees. The imposters attempt to gain entry into people’s homes by claiming to conduct water sampling tasks.


All Public Utilities Department employees carry photo identification, in addition to business cards and badges. These employees are instructed to voluntarily present their photo ID when approaching homeowners. Field staff ride in City of Raleigh vehicles that displaying the City seal, with department name and vehicle number prominently displayed. Also, these City employees often wear City issued uniforms or shirts that will also display the City seal and department name. Additionally, City staff would not appear at someone’s home unannounced to conduct water sampling; this type of testing is initiated by homeowners, not the City.


The City urges homeowners to be diligent and always ask for ID from anyone who appears on your property unannounced. Also, look out for persons who appear to be tampering with any utility fixture within the right-of-way who does not display the proper credentials. These utility fixtures include fire hydrants, water meters, manholes and valve covers. To report any suspicious activity, contact the City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department immediately at 857-4540 or the City Police Department at 9-1-1.

John Boyette Jr.
Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Department
City of Raleigh
(919) 996-3003
(919) 996-7621 (fax)
John.Boyette@raleighnc.gov

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lovebrentwood

[RaleighLass]

Thanks for posting!

[Poggly Woggly]

Thanks for the heads up