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01.06.2006

Fraudsters allegedly travelling on behalf of the municipal utility company to check electricity meters

A customer of Stadtwerke Gießen AG (SWG) learnt a new scam first-hand on Monday. An unknown man rang the SWG customer's doorbell in Sudetenlandstraße at around 6.30 pm. The stranger pretended to be an employee of a Cologne company that was supposedly checking the electricity meters on behalf of the municipal utilities. The customer allowed the stranger access and had his electricity meter checked. Claiming that the meter was running too fast, the stranger allegedly installed a fuse. However, a later inspection by the municipal utilities revealed that the man had not actually changed anything on the electricity meter. The customer then had to pay 15 euros in cash for this service, which only appeared to have been provided. The attentive SWG customer then observed how the unknown man also tried his luck with his scam at the neighbouring house.

Goal of the fraudster unclear
It remains unclear whether the fraudster only wanted to collect the 15 euros with his scam, wanted to gain access to the flat with this scam or was pursuing another goal. However, it is clear that this operation was not carried out by an employee of the municipal utility company. The alleged order was also not placed by SWG.

SWG employees identify themselves
Customers should always exercise caution in such cases. In this context, SWG would like to point out that Stadtwerke does not accept cash payments for work carried out. It is also crucial that SWG employees can always identify themselves with a photo ID. Customers who want to be on the safe side should always ask to see their ID card. Stadtwerke has already given information about the fraudster to the police station.