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Two Elderly Greenwich Women Robbed In Fake Worker Scams

GREENWICH, Conn. — Three distraction-type burglaries have been attempted in Greenwich in the last several weeks, where the suspects have targeted elderly citizens through scams, and two people have fallen victim to the crime, police said.

"The suspects have used a very common ruse of posing as a worker for a local utility company, and they need access to their home for an emergency," police said in a statement.

Last week, a scammer told the victim that he was with a tree company doing work for the neighbors, police said. He persuaded the victim to go outside to inspect dangerous trees, police said. His partner then snuck into the house, pillaged the woman's purse, and made off with all of her cash, police said.

In the other two incidents, the crook posed as a worker for the Aquarion Water Co.

In one case, the suspect was turned away, police said.

But in the other, the victim allowed the suspect in and once the scammer was alone he ransacked the victim's bedroom and stole her jewelry, police said.

Aquarion Water Co. is reminding customers to take precautions before allowing anyone into their home or business for maintenance, especially when no appointment has been scheduled.

Residents should refuse entrance into their home without first seeing photo identification.

Aquarion first issued the reminder after three incidents occurred with unidentified men entering homes in June and July in Darien and claiming to work for the water company. Two of the three incidents resulted in burglaries.

“Aquarion Water Co. employees follow strict protocols when entering customers’ homes and businesses, which include showing the customer an Aquarion photo ID,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion president and CEO. “We also encourage any customer who is unsure or has concerns to call our Customer Service Department.”

Aquarion employees and contractors are required to carry company-issued photo identification at all times and to present such identification upon request when entering a customer’s home. If a worker cannot produce identification, customers should not allow entrance into their home or business and should immediately contact the police.

For additional information about how to identify an Aquarion employee, contact Aquarion Customer Service at 203-445-7310. 

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