False Company Representative

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WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT THIS IS A SCAM?

You receive a phone call or an in-person visitor claiming to be an employee of a utilities company. The 'employee' offers to discount your bill with the company or some other related service for an upfront fee.

You receive a visitor who claims to be an employee of a utility company or member of law enforcement. The visitor asks to come inside to perform some type of task, and you notice things missing after his/her departure.

You receive a telephone call or a visit at your home from a person who claims to be a utility employee (such as Duke Energy, Greater Cincinnati Water Works or Metropolitan Sewer District) and need to make an appointment to check or read your meter. The 'employee' behaves as though he/she is in a hurry and annoyed that you are asking verifying questions prior to allowing access to the home.

You find a fraudulent utility charge made to your credit card.

You receive a visitor in person or telephone call of a water softener company claiming they have heard from the local utility that you have hard water and you may need to purchase a water softener system.


HOW CAN CONSUMERS PROTECT THEMSELVES?

No reputable employee would offer to pay or discount your bill for a fee. Be extremely cautious and do not hand over any money until you verify with the company that they are actually an employee and are authorized to perform the service they are offering.

Do not share personal information with strangers unless you're absolutely sure they can be trusted. A door-to-door visitor is often attempting to steal material items or personal information. Do not open the door for anyone without verifying that they are, in fact, an employee or a member of law enforcement.

Do not allow anyone into the home. To verify that the person is a Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) employee or contractor, call 513-591-7700 (24 hour number). To verify that the person is a Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) employee or contractor, call 513-352-4900 (24 hour number).

Always ask for employment verification (proper photo identification) prior to allowing them into the home. All GCWW employees will wear a uniform with patches on their hats and sleeves that read "Cincinnati Water Works" and have photo identification. All MSD employees will wear a uniform with patches on their hats and sleeves that clearly identify them as MSD employees. Contractors will also have photo identification.

The employee or contractor will not be in a hurry and will allow time for verification from the utility office that they claim to work for.

Generally the utility will not send an employee to gain access into the home without prior notice. It is common for the utility to send a letter or hang a tag on the door notifying the occupant of the need to gain access to the home.

The utilities are generally working outside and will not make unannounced or unscheduled site visits to the homes. Access to turn off the water can be gained from the valve located at the curb.

Closely guard your credit card and review charges monthly to avoid possible fraud.


HOW TO REPORT IF YOU'VE BEEN A VICTIM

Local Utility Office: If you think you've handed over money to an imposter or allowed access to your home, immediately call the company they falsely represented.

Duke Energy, 1-800-777-9898
Greater Cincinnati Water Works, 513-591-7700
Metropolitan Sewer District, 513-352-4900

Local Police Department: Immediately contact your local police department to file a report, which will also help you to dispute any fraudulent charges to your credit cards or bank accounts. Click here to obtain the contact information for your local police department.

Ohio Attorney General's office: If you think you've handed over money to a fake employee, you should contact the Ohio Attorney General's office (800-282-0515) to report the theft.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Monitor your credit card and bank statements, your credit report and any other financial transactions, and immediately contact the FTC (1-877-IDTHEFT) if you think your identity has been stolen.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): You may also contact the IC3 at www.ic3.gov. The IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center. Complaints submitted to the IC3 cover an array of cyber crime and fraud schemes to include identity theft.


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For more information on identity theft, visit these Web sites:
Federal Trade Commission – Identity theft

U.S. Department of Justice – Identity theft and Identity Fraud

Identity Theft Resource Center - www.idtheftcenter.org