Duarte officials warn of criminals posing as water utility workers

Scammers allegedly impersonating water sample collectors recently have visited Duarte residents, and officials Tuesday suggested precautions to avoid prevent fraud.

Individuals claiming to be with California American Water have knocked on several doors as actual personnel from the agency were in Duarte taking water samples from inside residents’ homes because of contaminated water, according to a city statement.

The alleged scammers aroused suspicion because they were not wearing uniforms, did not have company badges and their car bore no brand markings.

“The City discovered that these individuals were trying to scam our residents,” officials said, adding that impersonating utility workers “is a trick some criminals use to gain access to your home. … Take the time to ensure that the utility representative at your door is a legitimate California American Water employee on official utility business.”

Officials suggested these precautions when approached by someone claiming to be a utility worker:

• Always ask for a company-issued photo ID. All California American Water employees carry company-issued photo ID badges. 
• Look for the logo. All California American Water service personnel wear uniforms and drive company branded vehicles with the company logo. At times, California American Water uses contracted services from other trusted companies, but those companies have branded vehicles and identification as well. 
• Never give cash. California American Water employees and contractors never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field. 
• If you suspect someone may be a utility imposter, close and lock your door, and call 911. You can also call California American Water at 888-237-1333 to confirm whether service work is scheduled in the area.  

Additional advice on identifying utility scammers from California American Water is online at www.amwater.com/press-room/press-releases/california/california-american-water-provides-tips-for-spotting-scammers-on-utility-scam-awareness-day.