PSE-G "worker"

Has anyone else experienced a plain clothes woman/man claiming to be with Public service wanting to come inside and check your meter regarding next month's bill? 

I think that seems similar to a scam mentioned in the police notice?  I'll check and post back.

Mar 19 at 2:27 PM
maplewood-police-department-nj@emails.nixle.com

Advisory: DISTRACTION STYLE BURGLAR IN HILTON AREA

The Maplewood Police Department is investigating a distraction burglary that occurred at about 11 AM Tuesday at a home in the Hilton Section of town. 

According to DSgt. Palmerezzi of the Maplewood Police Dept., the suspect knocked on the front door and told the resident that he was working in the area and needed to get into their home to continue working. 

While inside of the home, the suspect distracted the residents and was able to remove items from the home. 

The suspect is described as a Spanish/white male adult in his 50's, approximately 5’9” or 5’ 10” in height and wearing a black jacket and black pants wearing some type of Lanyard around his neck. 
At no time were the residents threatened and or injured in this case.

The Maplewood Police Department is seeking any potential witnesses in this case. If you were in this area and saw any suspicious vehicles or persons, please contact us at 973 762-3400.

Maplewood Police reminds residents not to open their doors to any unknown individuals, also ask for proper credentials and if at all unsure do not hesitate to call the Maplewood Police Department immediately.

Did the plain clothes person present identification showing them to be a PSE&G employee?  Was the person driving a vehicle with PSE&G markings?  Did a call to the PSE&G phone number on your most recent bill result in verification that the person was indeed an employee seeking access to your property for the claimed purpose?  These are questions one can ask without opening the door.  Of course, the situation you describe would be even more suspicious if the property in question had a meter that could be read from outside the home.

Lots of scams and criminals out there.  Years ago someone claiming to work for PSE&G knocked on my mother's door and he said he needed to get into the basement to check her meter.  She asked for his ID, and he started looking around in a manner that made her feel uncomfortable.  Suddenly her dog, a rottweiler, lunged at the guy and chased him to the edge of the property.  The guy kept running, the dog stopped at the sidewalk but was still snarling and barking.  My mom was very upset, our dog had NEVER acted aggressive towards anyone before that day.  She called PSE&G to apologize and told them that if they sent him back she would make sure to lock up the dog this time.  The person from PSE&G checked, and then stated that they didn't have anyone out in that area and there were no work orders on file that would have had anyone needing to access her basement, and that she should report this to the police.

spontaneous said:
Lots of scams and criminals out there.  Years ago someone claiming to work for PSE&G knocked on my mother's door and he said he needed to get into the basement to check her meter.  She asked for his ID, and he started looking around in a manner that made her feel uncomfortable.  Suddenly her dog, a rottweiler, lunged at the guy and chased him to the edge of the property.  The guy kept running, the dog stopped at the sidewalk but was still snarling and barking.  My mom was very upset, our dog had NEVER acted aggressive towards anyone before that day.  She called PSE&G to apologize and told them that if they sent him back she would make sure to lock up the dog this time.  The person from PSE&G checked, and then stated that they didn't have anyone out in that area and there were no work orders on file that would have had anyone needing to access her basement, and that she should report this to the police.

 Good dog!