Milwaukee Water Works officials issue warning about utility imposter targeting customers

MILWAUKEE -- Officials with Milwaukee Water Works are issuing a warning about a utility imposter targeting customers this past weekend.

According to Water Works officials, West Milwaukee police received several calls from people who reported that a man telephoned them posing as a bill collector for the Milwaukee Water Works. The imposter called asking residents for their payment and account information.

These scam calls were made when the Water Works customer service center was closed for the weekend.

Water Works officials are reminding customers that Water Works will only contact you via U.S. Postal Service mail -- not by telephone.

In some cases, the utility may phone a commercial customer for meter-related work. Service calls are arranged in advance, though there may be a cold-call for meter exchange. If this is the case, the utility employee will arrive in a marked vehicle and present identification before asking to enter a building or home.

Water Works officials are offering these tips to protect yourself: