|
Raleigh, NC, Aug. 28, 2008 -- Thieves posing as utility workers have robbed a number of unsuspecting homeowners in recent weeks, and Progress Energy warned its customers and other residents to beware of scams.
In the last several weeks, people claiming to work for Progress Energy, or in some cases for an unidentified power company, have asked to enter homes by telling the homeowner they were there to conduct an "energy-efficiency inspection" or perform other utility-related work. Most incidents have involved elderly homeowners in rural areas. Once inside, the purported utility worker has occupied the attention of the homeowner while another person has slipped into the house and stolen valuables. In other cases, the purported utility workers have asked the homeowner to step outside the home to look at a meter or pole, and while away, another person slips into the home undetected.
Progress Energy urged its customers and others not to open their door for utility workers unless they can confirm the person's identity. Progress Energy employees carry company badges with photographs. But since ID badges, vehicle signs and clothing can be fabricated to look authentic, none of these is sufficient to assure a person's identity.
Other than in emergencies or safety-related issues, there are practically no instances when a representative of Progress Energy would show up at a customer's home unannounced and ask to enter to perform work, the utility said in a press release.
They added that if a homeowner has any doubt about the identity of anyone claiming to be a Progress Energy employee, they can call the Progress Energy customer service center to confirm the employee's identity and need for entry.
Want to stay Current? Listen to Currents: The Energy News Podcast brought to you by Utility Automation & Engineering T&D and Electric Light & Power online. For a list of all available episodes, click here and start listening today. And for more news and exclusive features from Utility Automation & Engineering T&D and Electric Light & Power online, please click here.
| 
Web Exclusives 
| View all PennWell sites | View all PennWell events
Add RSS Feed
