Massachusetts

Water Department Scam Reported in Stoughton

When the elderly resident opened the door, the Spanish-speaking man pointed to an ID lanyard on his chest, stated "water department" and entered the home by pushing the homeowner.

Police are investigating a reported water department scam in Stoughton, Massachusetts.

According to authorities, a resident in the area of Halliden Place had a man posed as a member of the water department force his way into her home around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Authorities say two men in a silver SUV pulled into the driveway of the elderly resident.

One man then exited the vehicle and knocked on the door. When the elderly resident opened the door, the Spanish-speaking man pointed to an ID lanyard on his chest, stated "water department" and entered the home by pushing the homeowner. He then demanded to see the water meter.

Once in the basement, the woman knew this man was not who he claimed to be. She reached for the phone to call 911, but the man ripped it from her hand. He then tried to rip the phone off the wall and the woman ran upstairs, police said.

The intruder escaped through the basement door.

Police say the man was described as Spanish-speaking with a clean-cut beard, a black winter hat, Bluetooth headphones, a blue jacket and work gloves.

Police ask anyone with information with regard to the incident to call them at 781-344-2424.

They also warn residents that similar incidents have occurred around the state and remind them they never have to allow anyone into their home without confirmation of who they are and the company for whom they work.

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