Fall River Police Warn Public Of Scheme Used To Enter Residences

FALL RIVER — Authorities in Fall River are informing the public of a potential scheme to gain entry into households by posing as a utility worker.

Officer Derek Pereira of the Fall River Police Department responded to a North Main Street residence on Tuesday afternoon to a complaint by the 77 year old owner who reported about two suspicious males who were earlier inside his home.

The elderly complainant stated that at about 2:15 p.m. a male knocked on the door and began to speak with him. He then said the male claimed to work for the water department and that he needed to check his water pressure. The resident says the man had some sort of badge hanging from his shirt, but he couldn't read it because of bad eyesight.

The complainant allowed the male in and took him to the water meter located in the basement and says he was told by the male to turn the main water valve on and off while he went upstairs to check the faucets. He says he didn't feel comfortable about leaving the man alone in his house, so he followed him back upstairs.

Once back upstairs, the male then told the resident that he could fix any other leaks while there, and then took out a radio and called for someone to join him in the house. A second male entered and encountered the complainants' wife, claiming the couple had overpaid their water bill by $50 and that they were entitled to a refund, but then said he only had a $100 bill on him and needed change. The couple told the two men that no cash was kept in the house.

The complainant told police that the males left his residence and proceeded to walk north.

The first suspect is described as a 30 to 40 year old white male with a goatee. He is 5'10” and is estimated to weigh about 190 pounds. The second suspect is described as a white male about 50 years old with gray hair and a large gut.

Residents are asked to check identification, call the utility company, and verify the service call and name of the person at your door before allowing them into your homes.