RWA: Intruder Entered East Haven Home by Impersonating Utility Worker

South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority officials are warning customers to always ask for an employee identification card if someone comes to their door claiming to be from the water company, after a suspect claiming to be a company employee gained entry into an East Haven home Wednesday — and then attempted to defraud the homeowner.

"The man claimed he needed to come in to check the water pipes," Kate Powell, communications manager for the authority, stated in a press release Thursday. "The resident became suspicious when the man said he needed to pay her for his visit and asked for change for a $100 bill."

Powell added that RWA field employees are not authorized to accept or give payments.

Under Investigation

The incident, which occurred on Laurel Street, is now under investigation.

Powell told East Haven Patch that the suspect is a male, who reportedly was wearing "a jacket or sweatshirt that looked like it had a badge of some sort on it."

No other information about the suspect is available at this time.

'Customers Should Be Suspicious'

“Customers should be suspicious of anyone who unexpectedly comes to their door claiming to be from the Regional Water Authority requesting to check the pipes, water pressure or valves or get a water sample,” Regional Water Authority Police Captain Paul M. Schilling stated in the release.

“All Regional Water Authority personnel carry an employee photo identification card and wear clothing with the Regional Water Authority logo," Schilling stated. "If the person at your door doesn’t show you an employee identification card or give you time to examine it, do not let them in your home.”  

Visits 'Extremely Rare' Without Appointments

Powell added that customers should also see a company car or truck with the Regional Water Authority logo parked outside.

"It is extremely rare that an RWA employee will come to a home without an appointment, but if they do, the employee will always have a company-issued photo ID," she stated.

If a customer has doubts, they should immediately call the Authority’s Customer Service Department at 203-562-4020 or the local police department.