HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Utility companies from across Central Pennsylvania joined politicians Monday morning at the Capitol to promote awareness in stopping utility worker imposters.
The Keystone Alliance to Stop Utility Imposters, which is a group of local water, electric, and gas companies, along with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and District Attorney's Association announced a new ad campaign designed to educate their customers on how to spot someone impersonating one of their workers.
"The age old door-to-door utility scam is still just as popular," PUC commissioner Pamela Witmer says. "Education is the best defense to not becoming a victim."
Across Pennsylvania and around the country, criminals can gain access to homes by posing as a utility worker, alliance members say. When inside, the imposter can distract the resident, allowing them to rob their home. The Keystone Alliance to Stop Utility Imposters introduced a 30-second PSA showing how to make sure your utility worker is legitimate, as well as other print, broadcast, and online media advertisements.
"This is the kind of public outreach that someone in a couple years says, 'Oh! Utility imposter! That's right, I need to check out they're legitimate before I let them in the house,'" Cumberland County District Attorney Dave Freed said.
How do you make sure your utility worker is legitimate? "Be sure to look for logos, branding, and a company-issued photo ID," says Shannon Williams of Harrisburg's Capital Region Water."
"But if you're not sure," Commissioner Witmer added, "don't hesitate to call 9-1-1."
Kaylor Jackson attended Monday's presentation at the Capitol. He then resumed his work shift as a lineman leader for PPL Electric, replacing a light fixture on Kramer Street in Susquehanna Township. Communication, he says, is the key to establishing trust with any customer.
"That way they know someone legitimately came up and told them in advance," he said. "I also let them know who I am and what I'm coming to do."
Johnson has been an electrician for 38 years and has never been mistaken as an imposter. That said, he understands the need for proper education.
State Representative Mike Regan (R-York) announced Monday at the Capitol Rotunda House Resolution 341, declaring June 8-12, 2015 as "Utility Imposter Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.