City of Columbia Warns Residents of Impersonator Scam

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–The City of Columbia wants you to be on the lookout for a scammer, they say, is posing as a City of Columbia Water Maintenance employee.

According to City officials, on September 20, the City’s Customer Care Center received a call from a resident in the Northeast Columbia area regarding a suspicious man, who identified himself as a City of Columbia employee. Officials say the suspect advised the resident that he could restore their water service if a cash payment was made. The caller advised that the suspect is a white male and at the time of the incident he was driving a white pick-up truck.

According to the City, utility field workers never collect money in the field. All utility field workers can be identified by uniform which consist of a white polo shirt and blue pants. The polo shirt will reflect a city logo and the employee’s last name. In addition, city workers have proper photo I.D. and drive vehicles with the City logo.

If you believe you are a victim of a scam, please contact Crime Prevention at (803)545-3555.