Police Warn Austin Residents Of Fake Utility Workers

AUSTIN, TX — Police are warning residents living in South and Central Austin neighborhoods about fraudsters posting as city water employees, according to a published report.

The Austin American-Statesman reported the men and women involved wear official-looking attire while claiming to represent the municipal utility, police said in a bulletin sent to NextDoor app users. Reportedly, the faux utility workers alert residents their water is unsafe to drink while encouraging them to ingest it only after boiling, according to the report.

But utility officials said that type of contact goes against their protocol. Instead, the utility would send such notices via traditional mail, email, inserted with water bills or disseminated via media outlets.

Police issued a series of tips if a person seems suspciious:

• Ask for the person’s name and request to see their City of Austin employee ID card.
• Do not give your personal information to anyone that you do not know.
• Impostors may be trying to find a way to enter your home.
• Always call 311 for any city of Austin issue.
• Call 9-1-1 for any suspicious activity.

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