Area Utility Scams Prompt GWP Advisory

With reports of utility scams in the area, Glendale Water & Power is issuing an advisory for utility customers.

Surrounding communities have reported people impersonating utility employees in attempts to gain access to homes to burglarize them.

The company cites one case, when two men posing as utility workers spoke to a couple at their home about installing new power lines in their backyard. While one man distracted the couple in the backyard, the second man tried to burglarize the house.

Another scam involves phone calls from people claiming to be contractors from Glendale Water & Power and offering fake GWP incentive programs. Some callers will attempt to persuade the customers to give them their credit card numbers to pay any bills or debt over the phone or risk having their phone, water or power shut off.

“Customers’ safety and security is a top priority for GWP. Customers should not hesitate to ask any City employee or contractor working for GWP for proper GWP identification,” stated Stephen Zurn, General Manger of GWP.

 The company advises customers that if they have any uncertainty about the individual, they should ask the individual to wait outside while they call GWP to verify identification.

If you are suspicious about a caller claiming to be from GWP, ask for a call back number for verification.

Customers can call GWP (818) 548-3300 for any type of verification.

Glendale Water & Power provided the following customer notification procedures:

• All GWP employees will always show their GWP identification, which includes the employee’s photo.

• At all times GWP employees will provide the GWP’s office number if someone wants to verify their identity.

• GWP provides advanced notice of the need to enter private property and employees in GWP marked vehicles arrive between 8:00am and 5:00 p.m.

• GWP employees never call customers and ask for payment information over the phone, payments can be made through our website and through our telephone IVR system, never with a live person.

• Only on rare occasions would GWP employees need to enter a resident’s home.

• GWP employees never enter a home to check water quality

• Water quality visits are never unscheduled, and water is tested at the outdoor hose bib

• For incentive program information GWP customers should visit www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com

• Contractors of GWP will make appointments with business customers prior to any visit

• GWP does not visit residential customers to solicit program enrollment

To report any suspicious activity near your residence or you are contacted over the phone by a suspicious caller, call the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-4911.