Residents Should Ignore 'Water Quality Testing' Mailer

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL -- A company out of Corona, CA, has been sending misleading notices about the quality of water in Palos Heights, police said. The mailers recently landed in local mailboxes. Police are telling the public to ignore the notices.

The notices were sent presorted first class mail and are doctored to look as if they came from Palos Heights. The words “WATER UPDATE” and “SORRY WE MISSED YOU” are also stamped across the front of the mailer, along with a toll-free number to call for free water quality testing.

“This is NOT sanctioned by the city nor is it affiliated with the city,” Palos Heights police said on Facebook. “For any concerns about water quality please contact the Palos Heights Water Department at 708-361-1806. Also, you should never let anyone into your home unless they are fully vetted.”

The suspected scam has surfaced in other parts of the country. Typically, water testing appointments will get set up, then the people performing the test will try to sell water purifying equipment, reports said.

For kicks, I called the toll-free number on the front of the flier. A very friendly customer service representative took my number when I identified myself as a reporter from Patch. She went to get her supervisor while I listened to pleasant hold music. The customer service rep came back and took my number. She said someone would get back to me. I’m still waiting.

~ Image via Palos Heights PD