Utility Scam Warning
The Akron Police Department is warning residents to watch for scam artists posing as fake water department employees.
The Akron Police Department is investigating a theft from a resident that occurred in the 1000 block of Hampton Ridge Road in which an imposter was allowed into the residence.
The victim reported an individual knocked on her door and identified himself as a water department employee. The victim was advised by the alleged utility worker of possible problems with her underground water pipes. Once invited in, the alleged utility worker escorted the resident around the condo checking various utility faucets and appliances. While preoccupying the victim, another suspect entered the residence and removed cash and valuables.
The Akron Police Department advises, the Akron Water Department are not responsible for fixing problems or testing inside the residence and rarely have a reason to ask for entry.
Legitimate utility workers will have proper identification, be willing to show it and provide a supervisor’s phone number of the agency for verification.
Akron residents are advised that if anyone claiming to be a water department employee comes to their residence without an appointment, they should refuse entry and immediately call the Akron Police Department at (330) 375-2181.
