Montgomery County Officials Warning of 'Utility Imposters'

Lower Providence Township is warning residents in the area of thieves posing a utility company workers so that they can gain entry to the home and rob it.

Utility workers very infrequently show up at a customer’s home without making an appointment, and any unexpected visits from someone claiming to be with a utility company should be viewed as suspicious, the township said.

“Do not let them (the supposed utility workers) inside without proper identification,” the township said on its website. “All Pennsylvania American Water service personnel wear uniforms, drive company-branded vehicles and wear photo ID badges with the company’s logo.”

These robbers frequently claim that they are investigating a “dirty water” complaint by a neighbor or checking water pressure due to a main break nearby.

Once inside, the suspects divert the resident’s attention by sending them to the basement to run a faucet while they rob another area of the home.

Residents are also reminded that real utility workers will never ask for or accept payment at a customer’s home or business.

Anyone who is unsure about a worker’s identity is encouraged to contact Pennsylvania American Water’s customer service center (800- 565-7292) to check if the service visit is legitimate.