Water Department Scam - Alert

On Friday, January 28th, at approximately 1:00 pm, a 97 year old Royal Oak resident reported that 2 white males driving a white truck gained entry into her home after claiming to be from the Royal Oak Water Department.  They told the victim that they needed to enter her house to check her water.  The men knew the residents first and last name so she let them in.  While one of the men was in the kitchen with the resident the other man went down the hall where the bedrooms were located.  A relative was in one of the bedrooms with the family dog and heard the man turn doorknob.  This caused the dog to bark and the man did not enter that room.  The relative then heard the man enter the other bedroom and heard a bag rustling.   The men eventually figured out there was another person in the house and left.  The victim reports that her wedding band is now missing.

The victim was only able to describe one of the suspects, a white male 20 – 30 years old wearing a white coat.  The suspects were driving a large white pick up truck.

We would like remind residents that city workers wear an identification badge indicating they are city employees.  The Department of Public Service employees drive orange trucks with the city logo on the door.  The water department will not show up unannounced to test your water.  If they are required to enter the home for any testing they will call resident and make an appointment. 

If you are suspicious of anyone claiming to be a utility worker or anyone else trying to gain entry into your home, please call the Royal Oak Police Department at (248) 246-3500.
 
Sgt. Ken Nutter
Royal Oak Police Department
221 E. Third St.
Royal Oak, MI  48067
(248) 246-3456