June 12, 2024

The state’s police chiefs association is partnering with the New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA) to urge New Jerseyans to be aware of criminals claiming to be utility workers to gain access to residences.

Despite ongoing efforts to educate residents, police have seen a steady stream of victims reporting that fake workers are finding ways to gain access to homes and stealing belongings.

The typical scam: Two workers knock 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. The scammers use many effective excuses, such as to discuss an allegedly overdue bill and demand cash, to check water and sewer lines, or to take a water sample.

“The police chiefs have a strong message for residents: Always check these workers for identification and never give them money,” said Mitch Sklar, executive director, New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). “Unless there is a true emergency, it is extremely rare for service technicians to visit customers without a confirmed appointment.”

Richard Henning, the executive director of the NJUA, said the association is commonly made aware of these ongoing scams. He noted a recent case in Paterson, in which a bold imposter was caught on camera looking in a mailbox before concocting a story for the resident to gain access as a utility worker. Fortunately, the resident would not let him inside to “change the service.”

“This is still too common of a problem in New Jersey and we are doing everything we can to spread the work to residents to be aware,” Henning said. “We appreciate the partnership with law enforcement, as we all need to work together to education people about what has become, sadly, a very successful scam in our state.”

The NJUA offers these important precautions:

• 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. At times, utilities use contracted services from other established companies, and those companies have branded vehicles and identification as well. 
• 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 confirm whether service work is scheduled in your neighborhood.

Learn more at NJUA.com

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