Hillsboro Water Department: Men Claiming to be City Employees Attempt to Enter Water Customer's House

HILLSBORO, OR – Officials at the Hillsboro Water Department received an unusual call Thursday afternoon from a customer who said two men claiming to be water department employees had just made a house call and wanted to come inside.

According to city officials, water department employees do not make a habit of visiting customers' homes without making an appointment beforehand.

The customer said the men were not wearing the standard city employee vests or carrying identification cards. Water department spokeswoman Lindsey Wochnick told Patch the men were not water department employees.

"The City of Hillsboro Water Department reminds customers that although water department employees may knock on your door to ask a few water-related questions or provide information, they will never ask to enter your home without a previous appointment," Wochnick said.

Wochnick offered the following safety tips for any customers who may find themselves in situations like this:

• Do not open the door to someone you don't know;
• Ask for proper official identification;
• Look for a city utility vehicle;
• Call the police if you feel suspicious about someone at your door;
• Share information about suspicious people with your neighbors;
• Ask for the person's purpose for being there; and
• Do not allow anyone unknown to enter your home without a bona fide prior appointment.

Furthermore, she said, water department employees always drive "E-plate" vehicles with logos and carry identification badges.

If you believe someone claiming to be from the Hillsboro Water Department is not who they seem, ask to see an identification badge and/or call and check with the water department at 503-615-6700.

Photo Courtesy: City of Hillsboro Water Department