St. Pete PD: Beware of fake city workers - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

St. Pete PD: Beware of fake city workers wanting to enter your home

Posted: Updated:
ST. PETERSBURG, FL -

The St. Petersburg Police Department is warning homeowners especially the elderly to be aware of a scam that they have been investigating since the beginning of March. 

Here's what you need to know:

Police say they have received reports from elderly residents about two men claiming to be from the City's Water Department who need to check hot water pipes inside the resident's home.  Once inside, police say, the men split up, one going to the kitchen and the other going to a bathroom.

In one such case, witnesses reported that the impersonators were of Hispanic decent with accents.  One person is described to be in his early 30's, 5'8" tall, weighing 195 lbs and wearing a ball cap with "Gallaway" written on it.  Police say the other man is described to be in his 40's, 6'2" tall, weighing 200 lbs with dark hair and a "rough-looking face."  Police say neither of the men were wearing any type of uniform or had identification cards.  Witnesses say both men were seen leaving in a white Mercedes SUV without markings.

Here's what may be happening:

Detectives believe that this may be part of a pattern of similar scams by which the suspects identify themselves as city employees claiming they need access to a home to check some sort of alleged problem.

Although nothing was discovered missing in these two recent cases, Police believe that this activity may be part of a scam where typically  one man will keep the resident distracted while the other rummages through the home looking for valuables to steal. The elderly are most frequently targeted.

Here's what to look out for if someone comes to your door claiming to need access to your home:

Typically municipal workers are in uniform, display proper identification and operate vehicles that are clearly marked. Furthermore municipal employees generally work on public roads and right of ways and normally do not require entry into private homes.

Here's what you can do:

Detectives would like to urge citizens to be on the alert for such scams and contact their local law enforcement agency should they encounter or become aware of any activity of this nature.  In the St. Pete area, residents can call the St. Pete police department at (727) 893-7780.

  • News

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 1:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:10:41 GMT
    Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives are asking for the public's help in an Attempted Murder investigation. 
    Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives are asking for the public's help in an Attempted Murder investigation.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:44:16 GMT
    AP Photo
    As many as 60 people were injured in Virginia Saturday when a car drove into a group of hikers marching in a parade.  No fatalities have been reported, but injuries range from superficial to critical.
    As many as 60 people were injured in Virginia Saturday when a car drove into a group of hikers marching in a parade.  No fatalities have been reported, but injuries range from superficial to critical.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:01:35 GMT
    It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
    It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
  • 8 On Your Side

  • Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
    As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
    As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
    Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
    Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
  • Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
    They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
    They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:01:35 GMT
    It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
    It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million.
  • Rod Carter co-anchors News Channel 8 Today each morning from 4:30 - 7am with Gayle Guyardo.
    Rod Carter co-anchors News Channel 8 Today each morning from 4:30 - 7am with Gayle Guyardo.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:26:23 GMT
    We asked some Lottery players to estimate final take home, on a lump sum powerball jackpot.
    We asked some Lottery players to estimate final take home, on a lump sum powerball jackpot.
Powered by WorldNow

200 South Parker Street, Tampa, FL 33606

Telephone: 813.228.8888
Fax: 813.225.2770
Email: news@wfla.com

Can’t find something?
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General Company.