Water-Department 'Test / Reconnect Fee' Scam
A caller or doorstep 'water department' worker claims your water needs testing or a reconnect fee, seeking payment or entry to your home.
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What this scam is
Someone posing as the water department calls or shows up claiming your service must be tested for contamination, needs a reconnect fee, or has an urgent problem requiring immediate payment — or they need to come inside to 'check the pipes.' Payment demands (card/gift card) go to the scammer, and letting a stranger in enables theft or casing your home. Real utilities carry ID, schedule work, and don't demand instant fees or gift cards.
What it usually looks like
- A 'water department' call or visit about testing/reconnect.
- A fee demanded on the spot.
- A request to enter your home to check pipes.
- Urgency about contamination or shut-off.
Common warning signs
- On-the-spot fees for water 'testing' or 'reconnect.'
- Unscheduled workers wanting inside access.
- Gift-card or instant-payment demands.
- No verifiable ID or work order.
Example wording scammers use
“City water dept — your line failed a contamination test; pay the reconnect fee now to restore service.”
“We need to come in and check your pipes for an urgent issue.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- An on-the-spot fee.
- Entry to your home.
- Your payment details.
What to do
- Verify any water-department contact by calling the number on your bill.
- Don't pay on-the-spot fees or let unscheduled workers inside.
- Ask for ID and verify independently.
- Report suspicious visits to the utility and police.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your card/gift-card issuer if you paid.
- Report a home entry to the utility and police.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.