After receiving an alarming phone call from an individual who was almost victim to a home invasion perpetrated by a person claiming to be from National Grid stating they needed access to her home to check the meter, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and National Grid are warning all Rhode Islanders to be sure to verify the identity of anyone who tries to gain access to their home.
According to the caller, a man presented himself at the residence as an employee of National Grid and stated he needed to enter the home to read the meter. The caller was immediately suspicious, did not let the individual inside and contacted National Grid to see if there was a scheduled visit. Upon learning from National Grid that the individual was not an employee, the caller immediately contacted the Cranston Police.
If an individual knocks on your door requesting access to your home to check the meter, or claims to be from another utility company, and does not have proper identification, do not let them into the home and contact police immediately.
"Impersonating a legitimate business to gain access to a home for the purposes of committing robbery or possibly worse, is extremely concerning. My first concern is the public's safety. Do not let anyone you don't know into your home without first confirming who they are and why they are there. If something doesn't add up, contact the police immediately," said Attorney General Kilmartin.
Kilmartin contacted National Grid to report this issue and to confirm proper procedures when a certified National Grid employee needs to gain access to a home. All National Grid employees and contractors working for National Grid carry a prominently-displayed photo ID with the company name and the employee's name. Customers should always ask to see the ID before allowing entry to their premises. Customers can also call the National Grid Customer Contact Center at 800-322-3223 to verify the person's identity.