A recent incident in southeast Eugene suggests burglars are posing as utility workers to access people’s homes.
Single mom and UO adjunct professor Rebecca Schuman was pulling into her driveway when she saw two men in reflective vests, the same kind worn by utility workers.
”But also carrying a bunch of my stuff, so they no longer looked like utility workers!” Schuman told KLCC. “So I just gunned it down the street in my ancient Subaru that happens to have a turbo engine, so I cornered them in the alley.”
Schuman used her “mad mom” voice and annoyed the pair. She got some stuff back, including two laptops and her daughter’s iPad (the thieves still have her ex-husband’s broken scooter.)
Aaron Orlowski of EWEB said actual utility workers would have branded vests and vehicles, and a utility photo ID.
“If you have doubts you can always call EWEB and verify that the person is supposed to be there,” he added. “That number’s (541)685-7000. Also, listeners can visit EWEB.org/scams, and that does have some more information.”
Utility workers do read meters on homes, or work on poles or downed branches, so it’s always helpful to ask when in doubt.
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