(Bel Air, MD – January 28, 2009) – – Harford County Government is alerting residents of the county of a scam being used as a ploy to enter homes for criminal purposes. The most recent attempt occurred in the Harford Estates development near Forest Hill.
As part of the scam, residents are being contacted by one or more individuals who identify themselves as employees of Harford County Water and Sewer. These individuals then indicate they must enter the home for some purpose such as to check your plumbing or to do a “toilet inspection”. Once in the home, they may rummage through the house for valuables and then leave within minutes.
County Executive David R. Craig urges residents of the county not to let anyone in their homes on such pretense, because the Harford County Department of Public Works, nor Harford County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits do not conduct such inspections. Furthermore, the Department of Public Works advises the Division of Water and Sewer only goes to homes by appointment, typically for meter work, or when requested to do so by the customer. The Division of Water and Sewer is also currently conducting field studies to identify and eliminate sources rain water and ground water from being discharged into the sanitary sewer. Some of this work requires that home plumbing systems be inspected by County staff but this the homeowner is always notified by letter before we visit the residence. Personnel of the Division of Water and Sewer do not perform inspections of toilets.
Personnel associated with Harford County Government carry county identification. Additionally, personnel of the Department of Public Works, Division of Water and Sewer drive marked county vehicles, and wear uniforms to perform their official duties.
Should anyone question the authenticity of an individual requesting permission to conduct work at a private home or business, contact the Department of Public Works Customer Service number at 410-612-1612 to validate any service call.
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