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PEC warns of utility imposters
September 21, 2006
“You’ve probably seen them walking through your yard during the day, checking electrical lines to ensure they continue to operate properly,” states a press release from Plateau Electric Cooperative. “(They are) Plateau Electric employees; however, not all of them are who they say they are.”
According to Linda Lay, director of communications for the utility, the number of incidents involving people posing as utility workers to gain access to property is increasing.
“Con artists are becoming more aggressive about gaining entrance into our customers’ homes,” Lay said. “The cooperative urges everyone to be aware of those posing as utility workers.
“While you may not be surprised to see a ‘utility worker’ come to your door, Plateau Electric wants you to know none of its employees or contractors will need to enter your home unless you have a pre-scheduled appointment,” Lay added.
Imposters who are posing as utility workers sometimes team up, Lay said.
“In one incident, two people told a Plateau Electric customer that they worked for an agency that could help him save on his monthly utility bills,” Lay said. “While ‘helping’ the customer, his money was stolen and his telephone line was cut so that he couldn’t call for help.”
In other cases of teamwork, Lay said, imposters have coaxed a resident outside, claiming that they need to look at a power line or discuss a situation, while their accomplice sneaks into the house.
“If someone asks to enter your residence or asks you to step outside to talk, do not open the door,” Lay said. “Call 9-1-1 if you feel suspicious or are in doubt.”
Lay said that residents can avoid falling victim to con artists by not allowing anyone who says they are employed by Plateau Electric to enter your home unless an appointment has been set up before-hand. In a few cases, PEC or TVA energy service technicians enter customers’ homes at the customer’s request to perform pre-scheduled inspections on heat pumps installed and on new homes built through the Energy Right program, but those appointments are always set up in advance.
In addition, Lay pointed out that Plateau Electric employees always wear work shirts with the cooperative’s logo and name imprinted on the front.
In some cases, she added, PEC employees or contracts tree trimmers, who may trim trees on customers’ property, but those workers will never need to enter the customer’s home.
Lay requested that customers who are in doubt contact PEC at 569-8591.
news@ihoneida.com
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