Persons, who are representing themselves as "water company employees", are knocking on doors and gaining entry to homes by claiming that they are "from the district and doing some testing", or words to that effect.  Once inside they begin a sales pitch for a water purifier at a price that is often very high.  It has been reported that these scammers often target Hispanic residents and speak to them in Spanish.

TIPS FOR FRAUD PREVENTION:

The employees of utility companies wear uniforms and carry identification.  If someone comes to your home and claims to be a "water company" employee, demand to see their identification!

If you are in the market for a water purifier, or any product, do your homework before you buy.  Find out about the benefits and performance of competing products and compare prices at several stores before you make a decision to purchase.  Do not fall for the home scam sale's pitch, "Because we come to your home and don't have any overhead, you get the best price from us, but you have to buy now to get this great deal!"  In 99.9% of all cases, this pitch is simply a lie - Don't fall for it!

For more information, or to report a possible scam:

Riverside County C.A.R.E. Program at (909) 791-3446

The C.A.R.E. Program in the Coachella Valley at (760) 836-1606

The National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060

or Your Local Law Enforcement Agency or the FBI

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