September 25, 1998

Contact: Cathy DelliCarpini (718/595-6600)

DEP Warns City Residents of Water Department Impersonators

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New York City Police Department are warning City residents about bogus “Water Department” workers who are robbing residents after requesting access to homes for emergency repair work. These imposters are currently targeting the elderly in Brooklyn communities. After illegally misrepresenting themselves as water department repair men who require access to residences to check pipes or water quality, they are robbing homes and leaving the premises before residents realize they have been robbed.

"Every DEP employee carries official DEP photo identification. Under no circumstances should a homeowner open the door to a “Water Department” worker unless a valid DEP ID is displayed," urged Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E. "If you have any doubts whether someone is a legitimate DEP employee, call (718) DEP-HELP, 7-days a week, 24-hours a day."

DEP and the NYPD are collaborating to end this illegal practice. City residents who think they have been approached by a DEP impersonator should immediately contact the Police Department by calling 911.