Crooks Posing As Power Company Workers Hit Region

 PRESS RELEASE

4-County Electric Power Association members are being asked to be careful in the wake of reports of criminals identifying themselves as electric company employees in order to steal from homes.

There have been several reports from local law enforcement officials that a group of people may be posing as employees of Electric Power Associations in an attempt to gain access to people’s homes in order to steal from them. According to 4-County System Security Director Jimmie Daniels,  The Webster County Sheriff’s Department reported that three people (two men and a woman) travelling in a full-sized white pickup truck, went to a residence in the Eupora area and stated they were with Natchez Trace Electric Power Association. The three asked the homeowners if they needed any trees cut or poles set and, apparently, while the homeowners were distracted, officials believe one of the individuals entered the home and took some items.

Daniels says it was reported that the three went to a house on the 4-County system in the area of Hwy. 15 in Webster County and tried the same scam but were unsuccessful.

Daniels warns members to be careful. “4-County employees will always be in a marked 4-County vehicle. They will wear clothing with the 4-County logo and will carry identification showing they work for 4-County. Even so, if you feel there is a question, the best thing to do is contact 4-County at 1-800- 431-1544 and make sure,” said Daniels. “4-County does use contractors who are not 4-County employees that do some line, rights of way and pole inspection work. These contractors will have their company clearly marked on their vehicles and will wear clothing or have identification that shows they are contracted with 4-County,” said Daniels.

He encourages people to use caution and to report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement.