Beware of scam artists posing as utility workers. It’s happening in surrounding communities and they might make a try in West Easton.

In a report by Tom Coombe, in Palmer-Forks Patch, police in Wilson are investigating two separate incidents where men talked their way into borough homes Tuesday claiming to work for utility companies.

At around 3 p.m. Tuesday, a man came to a home on the 800 block of Miller Street, telling the 89-year-old occupant he was a state water inspector and that the home’s water was contaminated.

Police say the man turned on faucets on the first floor and the basement and claimed to perform tests on the water. He told the resident he’d be back, but never returned.

Nothing appeared to be missing from the house. The man—Hispanic, in his mid-30s and wearing a dark shirt and pants—had an ID badge that said “state inspector.”

Later in the day, around 8 p.m., two men knocked on the door of a home on the 2200 block of Ferry Street saying they were from UGI and wanted to help the residents save money on their gas bill.

When they asked to see a copy of the most recent bill, the residents became suspicious and told the men to leave.

The men were both black, and spoke with Jamaican accents, police said. They wore yellow hats and had UGI tags around their necks, although UGI later told police the men were not their employees.

Police remind residents to call utilty companies if they are suspicious of workers, or to contact the police themselves. Earlier this year, men claiming to be water workers robbed a woman in the borough.

Often, these scam artists will work in pairs. While one may ask you questions, or show you the location of one area of your home, the other fake worker will remain behind in order to do “tests.” In actuality, the worker you lose sight of is doing a quick search of your home looking for cash, jewelry, or possibly evaluating it for a later home invasion/burglary.

The easiest way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of scam artists is to never allow them into your home, unless you were expecting them. Remember that I.D.’s can be easily made with a simple computer and laminating machine. Hard hats and orange vests can be purchased without any problem by anyone and does not mean those who wear them are employed by a utility company.

If you have any doubt, close your door and lock it. Then call the police department.