Water Utility Scam Alert: Imposters Working Countywide Seek Access to Homes
January 16, 2024
Residents countywide are warned to be vigilant for imposter water agency “workers” knocking on doors and requesting entry to homes to test water quality or making sales pitches.
Similar scams pop up every few years. A spate of incidents has been reported by several water agencies across the region in recent weeks, including in the City of San Diego, South County and East County.
The Water Authority and its 23 member agencies are not responsible for water testing or repairs inside private homes and rarely have reason to ask for entry. Water agencies also typically don’t sell or endorse commercial products. Legitimate water agency employees are always in uniform, carry an identification badge and typically drive a clearly marked agency vehicle.
Utility scams take many forms, including requests for bill payment with a credit card, demands that residents buy certain water treatment products and sales pitches for water line insurance. In some cases, imposters go door-to-door, other times, they operate by phone. Imposters may work in pairs, with one person talking to a resident while another cases the home for valuables.
Residents are urged to turn away anyone claiming to be a water utility employee who appears at their home without an appointment and requests to enter, solicit information or payment. Concerns about potential fraud should be reported to a customer’s local water agency.