Police Warn Residents of Utility Worker Scam in Newark
NEWARK, Del., (CBS) -- Newark Police are warning residents of two recent scam incidents where suspects claimed to be water department employees.
The first incident happened on Saturday, September 14th at about 2:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Phillips Avenue.
According to police, an elderly resident answered a knock at her door and was contacted by a white man, about 23 to 27-years-old, wearing an orange construction vest. Police say the man entered the home, allegedly claimed he was there to test the water, and requested further entry into the home. The resident requested identification and when he declined to produce any, she refused and pushed the man out of the home. The man left in what was described as a white pickup truck.
The second incident occurred on Sunday, September 15th, at about 4:15 p.m. in the 400 block of Orchard Road.
Police say an elderly resident answered a knock at her door and contacted a white man wearing an orange construction vest. The male allegedly claimed to be a City of Newark Water Department employee and that he needed to test her water, according to police. The resident requested identification and refused the man entry into the home when he would not produce any. Police say the man left in what was described as a white box style truck.
Police say both residents properly requested identification from the men and refused them access into their homes, likely preventing a theft.
Police advise all residents that all city employees are required to carry City of Newark identification cards and must present them upon request. If the worker does not possess an ID card or if they are suspicious in any way, they should refuse access and contact the Newark Police Department immediately.
Residents are encouraged to report all suspicious vehicles and persons to the police right away by dialing 911.
