Blair residents are urged to remain vigilant following reports of individuals impersonating utility workers in nearby Fort Calhoun. On February 20, two men in a white sedan were reported going door-to-door claiming to represent Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). When authorities contacted OPPD to verify, the utility company confirmed they had no employees working in the area at that time.
This incident follows a disturbing pattern of utility worker impersonation scams that have been reported across the country, with some cases leading to theft, home invasion, and even violence.
OPPD Responds to Impersonation Concerns
Jodi Baker, Media Specialist at OPPD, gave us important information about the situation and offered guidance for residents who encounter anyone claiming to be from the utility company.
When asked about other similar reports, Baker stated: “This type of thing has been reported before, but we have not yet heard of any other recent cases. When it has happened previously, we’ve heard about people posing as workers using false credentials or trying to dress the part of a utility worker in order to gain access to a home.”
Baker noted that while in-person impersonations do occur, phone scams are actually more prevalent: “More common is scammers who call customers of OPPD and other utilities, claiming to represent the company, and trying to get customers to provide financial information over the phone. Should any of our customers receive an unsolicited call from somebody claiming to work for the utility and demanding payment, we urge them to hang up. They should call OPPD themselves, directly, at 402-536-4131 with any questions about their account status.”
How to Identify Legitimate OPPD Workers
Residents should know what to look for when verifying utility workers. According to Baker: “Legitimate employees will have ID badges. There may be contractors completing work for OPPD who do not carry badges. Whether they’re claiming to be employees or contractors, always call OPPD at 402-536-4131 to verify the authenticity of the employee. Do not allow access into your residence until you have verified that the person at your door is truly an employee of the utility.”
Baker emphasized that unexpected visits from genuine OPPD representatives are uncommon and rarely require entry to your home: “Only rarely would an OPPD employee make an unscheduled visit. Some reasons could be to explain work happening on or near their property, investigate a power outage, check a meter, or talk about tree trimming. Please know that most of the time, these visits would not require access the inside of a customer’s home.”
Potential Motives and Law Enforcement Involvement
When asked about the motives behind these impersonations, Baker responded: “We don’t really know the motives behind the impersonations, but theft could be a motive. We work with law enforcement on any scams of which we are notified to help keep our customers safe.”
Protect Yourself from Utility Scams
In light of the Fort Calhoun incident and similar cases nationwide, Blair residents should take the following precautions:
- Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a utility worker.
- Call OPPD directly at 402-536-4131 to verify if they sent someone to your address.
- Do not allow anyone into your home until you have confirmed their identity.
- Be especially suspicious of unscheduled visits, particularly those requesting indoor access.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement.
Recent incidents in other states have resulted in serious crimes, including theft, assault, and even murder. By staying alert and following verification procedures, Blair residents can help protect themselves and their neighbors from becoming victims of these increasingly common scams.
