The Golden State Water Company alerted the public about a scam regarding water service after receiving a report from a victim in an unincorporated section of southwest Los Angeles County near Gardena, GSWC officials said last week.
An unknown man carrying a clipboard allegedly threatened to have the customer’s water service shut off if a $200 fee wasn’t paid immediately.
“Fortunately, the customer refused to pay and the man left the premises,” the GSWC representative said.
The Golden State Water Company alerted the public about a scam regarding water service after receiving a report from a victim in an unincorporated section of southwest Los Angeles County near Gardena, GSWC officials said last week.
An unknown man carrying a clipboard allegedly threatened to have the customer’s water service shut off if a $200 fee wasn’t paid immediately.
“Fortunately, the customer refused to pay and the man left the premises,” the GSWC representative said.
(A similar scam involves City-uniformed individuals who come to the door of elderly Gardena residents and engage the homeowner(s) in conversation in their backyard, while a second suspect ransacks the home, according to recent police reports.)
Golden State urges its customers to request identification before allowing a utility worker into their home. Customers should contact the utility to verify that the worker is there for legitimate business purposes.
Here are some general tips to prevent customers from becoming victims:
Ask employees to show their identification. Sometimes employees need to gain access to the property to read a meter, check for leaks, or restore service.
All Golden State Water Company employees carry company-issued photo identification badges at all times. Most wear uniforms and drive vehicles with the company logo.
Contractors should be asked to show their identification. If there ever is concern about whether someone claiming to be working on behalf of Golden State Water Company actually works for the company, ask to see his or her company photo identification, or call Golden State’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-999-4033.
Beware in the sharing of personal information, officials said. If someone asks for personal information such as a checking account number, be suspicious. The Better Business Bureau recommends not sharing that information unless “you” initiated the contact and are confident in the other person’s identity and credibility.
To report suspicious activity, please contact your local police or sheriff’s department. For full details, view this message on the web.
