NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) - Area electric companies are warning the public about suspicious individuals falsely claiming to work for them.
Both New-Mac Electric Cooperative and the Carthage Water and Electric Plant say they have received numerous reports in recent days of people going door to door identifying as electric workers.
Witnesses say the suspicious persons often say they are trying to sell solar panels.
"It's concerning when people are going around saying that they're with New-Mac, when we're not affiliated with a solar company in any way. They're stating that they might get a better deal on their electric bill or they won't have to have any rates in the future. And that's just not the case," says Ashlea Norman, communications specialist for New-Mac Electric.
Officials at New-Mac Electric say they believe the individual is trying to actually sell solar installation, but they may not be reputable.
They say electric companies such as New-Mac do not endorse a specific solar business in that way.
But authorities warn that a person willing to lie about their identity might be up to something else.
"If they are misrepresenting and maybe using that for a ruse to get in to see what those people might have, where they could come back and break in later or steal something while they are there,” says Rick Geller, Chief Deputy at the Newton County Sheriff's Department .
The Sheriff's Department says New-Mac Electric has been keeping them informed about customer reports regarding the situation. They say the best thing you can do if you see something suspicious is call.
"If citizens see something suspicious, don't hesitate to call. I mean, that is what we're here for. We'd be more than happy to come out and check it out. That's is what we're here for, is to serve the citizens," says Geller. "And they are our eyes and ears, and they see stuff more than we do. And it is not a bother. We would be more than happy to serve. It serves the citizens that way.”
New-Mac Electric says employees at companies like theirs should be wearing a uniform or a logoed shirt, have a New-Mac vehicle or be able to provide a work ID.
New-Mac Electric asks that you call their office if you encounter a suspicious person claiming to be a company worker.
You can reach their main office at (417) 451-1515 .
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