Scammers Posing As City Employees Going Door-To-Door: Report

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — City officials in Crystal Lake are warning residents to be wary of a scam involving people purporting to be city employees working on behalf of ComEd, according to a news release from the city. The police department has received reports of the person, or persons, going door-to-door and requesting money for past bills.

The scammers are also trying to get the resident to sign up for a third-party electricity provider, according to a news release from the city of Crystal Lake.

Following the reports, the city is letting residents know that all solicitors are required to be registered with the city of Crystal Lake and must display a city-issued permit at all times. The city does not endorse or work in conjunction with any door-to-door solicitors, including ComEd, city officials said.

Anyone who may encounter any solicitor that does not have a permit displayed, uses questionable selling tactics, or does not acknowledge "NO SOLICITOR" postings, should contact the police department's non-emergency number at 815-356-3620, according to a news release. In addition, residents can pick up "no solicitors" stickers from the Crystal Lake Police Department at no charge.

Police are also asking residents to provide a physical description of the solicitors and the vehicle they drive.

"While most companies abide by city licensing requirements, there are those that refuse to..." police noted in the news release.

More via ComEd's website and the city of Crystal Lake's website