Chief Warns of 'Water Department' Scam

Note: The following letter is from Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp to borough residents.

It has been brought to our attention that residents of local municipalities have fallen victim to a scam in which actors are showing up at homes stating they are from the Water Department. The actors are displaying an ID and when inside the home, one actor will distract the homeowner while the other searches the home for valuables.

In the Borough of Hellertown, all of our Water Authority employees carry photo identification and they will always be operating a vehicle clearly marked with the Hellertown Borough Authority seal. It also would be unusual for an Authority employee to just show up at a residence and request to come inside unless they were called by the homeowner.

If you have any questions or concerns about a person showing up at your door claiming they are from the Water Department, please feel free to contact the Borough Authority Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the number listed below. If it is after hours, you cannot reach the Borough Authority or anyone suspicious shows up at your residence claiming they need to come inside, contact the Hellertown Police Department at the number listed below.

Hellertown Borough Authority: (610) 838-8051

Hellertown Police Department non-emergency: (610) 759-2200

Sincerely,

Chief Robert Shupp III