West Virginia American Water is warning its customers about potential "utility impostors."
The company received a report Wednesday night about a male "acting suspiciously on a customer's property" in the U.S. 60 area of Hurricane. The man told the company he was with "the water company" when confronted by the resident, said spokeswoman Laura Jordan.
After being reported to West Virginia American Water, the company confirmed the man was not associated with it.
"We confirmed that we did not have any field personnel working in the area at that time, as well as confirmed that the customer's water meter is in front of the house, while the individual was observed in the customer's backyard," Jordan said.
A report was given to the State Police.
As a reminder to its customers, the company issued the following information about its policies and what customers can do if approached by someone suspicious claiming to be with the water company:
* All West Virginia American Water employees wear clothing with logos and carry proper photo identification.
* Water company employees do not accept payments during service calls and generally should not need access to any indoor facilities to read meters, turn service on or off or perform maintenance work. Customers should be wary of anyone requesting payment before, during or after water utility service calls and use caution before letting anyone onto their property or into their homes or businesses. Customers are urged to report any individuals posing as company employees who request payments in the field or try to gain access to businesses or homes.
* Insist on seeing proper identification. Do not open the door to anyone who cannot provide a photo ID badge.
* Thoroughly inspect the identification badge and check the service person's vehicle. The front of a West Virginia American Water ID badge will display the employee's picture and the company's logo. All West Virginia American Water vehicles have the company's logo clearly displayed on the side.
* If the person at your door cannot show you an official West Virginia American Water identification badge or if you have any doubts, do not let that person into your home or business. Close and lock your door, call 911, and call West Virginia American Water at 1-800-685-8660 to report the incident and confirm whether or not service work is scheduled in the area.