Watch Out For Group Of Guys Pretending To Be From Duke Energy

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A family contacted the St. Petersburg Police Department Saturday evening after five males showed up at their house in plain clothes telling them they were with Duke Energy, according to a 9-1-1 call Patch obtained.

The complainant told the 9-1-1 operator that the five males in their Allendale neighborhood looked to be under 18-years-old. They were asking to look at the electric meter of the house, according to the 9-1-1 call. The homeowner, Steve Smith, and his wife told WFLA that the whole thing was unusual a work crew would show up on a Saturday night with five guys waiting outside in plain clothes.

Smith told the 9-1-1 operator that they had a camera with them also. He and his wife never opened the door. They talked to them through the door, and the five adolescents were caught on the couple's Ring home security camera near the front door. At one point, one of the young men told Smith he was confirming appointment for next Thursday to get power box replaced, according to the 9-1-1 records. Law enforcement officials searched the neighborhood for the teenagers but had no luck finding them.

Duke Energy told the TV outlet, employees always carry official badges and wear uniforms, including a company shirt and long pants and unless there’s an emergency, employees would not typically be working on a Saturday night.

The group of boys left together walking westbound on 44th Avenue North in the Allendale Area.

Smith wants for residents to be aware that this could happen to them and not open the door for anyone unless you are expecting them. He told WFLA he doesn't know what would have happened if his wife would have opened the door.

To see the video footage of the teenagers, click here.