The Northern Wasco County People's Utility District (NWCPUD) announced a string of reports that impersonators were posing as PUD employees and requesting access into the homes of customers.
The Northern Wasco County People's Utility District (NWCPUD) announced a string of reports that impersonators were posing as PUD employees and requesting access into the homes of customers.
NORTH WASCO CO. — On Tuesday morning, the Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (NWCPUD) issued a notice that impersonators were reportedly attempting to enter the homes of customers. A spokesperson for the NWCPUD said that Tuesday morning they began to receive an influx of reports from customers of “impersonators” who would approach customers wearing “PUD-like attire” and request home entry. A news release from the NWCPUD said the impersonators would then take photographs once inside the residence.
Last week, according to a PUD representative, the NWCPUD sent email and online notices to customers that they would be conducting telephone pole checkups as part of their Pole Inspection Program. The program is in place to monitor the status of telephone poles in North Wasco for wear and tear in case they may need replacement.
The NWCPUD emphasized that legitamate employees will never request entry into the home, unless it was previously shceduled and agreed upon by both parties.
“Legitimate personnell only require access to utility poles that may be located on customer property. NWCPUD staff and contractors will also never ask for payment in the field,” said a NWCPUD press release.
The NWCPUD reminded residents that PUD staff will have proper identification, will never ask to enter your home and that if you are approached by someone claiming to represent the PUD who requests home entry, do not allow access and call the NWCPUD at 541-296-2226.
The City of The Dalles Police reissued the NWCPUD release on Facebook adding, “The Northern Wasco County PUD has done a great job in tracking this and getting notification to the police and their customers,” they said. “As always we encourage to look out for your family and neighbors who are at a higher risk of being victimized by fraud and deception.”
This is a developing story and will be updated if more information becomes available.
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