HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office advise area residents to be aware of scammers posing as utility workers to gain access to homes.
This type of scam has been reported nationally as well as within New Jersey, officials said.
According to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Utilities Association, these scams take many forms, but the typical scam will involve two workers knocking on the front door, claiming to be utility workers.
One distracts the resident, perhaps to check a utility panel or meter, while the other roams free, robbing the dwelling of money or valuable items, authorities said.
The NJSACOP and the NJUA advise residents:
- Always ask for a company-issued photo ID. All utility employees in New Jersey carry company-issued photo ID badges.
- Do not share your utility account numbers or other personal information. Legitimate technicians will not ask for this.
- Look for the corporate logo. All service personnel wear uniforms and drive company-branded vehicles with the company logo.
- Note the time. Technicians usually work regular business hours. If you are getting a knock at the door late at night or on weekends, and there is no apparent emergency, assume it is a scam.
- Never give money. Utility workers never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field.
- If you suspect someone may be a utility imposter, close and lock your door, and immediately call 911. You should also contact your utility company to confirm whether service work is scheduled in your neighborhood.
