September 26, 2008

CONTACT:

Michael Saucier / Mercedes Padilla (718) 595-6600

DEP Warns City Residents of Impersonators posing as “NYCDEP” Employees

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a warning to New York City homeowners to beware of impersonators posing as a “DEP” employee. DEP learned that in separate instances individuals posing as DEP inspectors gained access to local homes by claiming the homeowners were in arrears in water bill payments, needed to fix a broken meter or needed to have the meter read. Once allowed access by the homeowner, the impostor sought cash for payment of a past due bill or for performing a service. Customers can verify the employee’s identification by asking the inspector for a DEP contact phone number to confirm the scheduled visit.

“Customers must keep in mind that a DEP employee must provide proper identification if he/she needs to enter a property and our inspectors never ask for cash payments,” said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd. “If you have any doubts whether someone is a legitimate DEP employee, call the Police or 311 to get immediate assistance.”

Any persons who identify themselves as being from DEP must either have made a previous appointment or be able to provide proper identification. DEP employees who are authorized to enter homes must carry and show photo I.D. cards and badges and are in uniform. Since imposters, or others seeking access may have some form of identification, it is important to make sure that the I.D. card is from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

FOR INFORMATION LOG ON TO THE DEP WEBSITE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/DEP