The Auburn Police Department is warning residents about a new scam that is targeting local housing units. According to Chief James Slayton, the scam involves a man claiming to work for the State Comptroller’s Office who asks to see residents’ utility bills to check if they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.
On February 17th, officers were called to Stryker Homes around noon, where a white man wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt with the words “NEVER LOOK BACK” and a black knit holding a lanyard and clipboard entered the building. The man began going to different doors, asking to see residents’ utility bills and taking one woman’s phone number when she showed him her bill. He later called her and asked for her SNAP benefit card and Medicaid card, which she refused to provide.
Later that day, officers were called to Northbrook Heights around 5 p.m., where two white men were going door-to-door asking to see people’s utility bills. No one at this location showed the men their bills.
Chief Slayton has warned residents that no one from the State Comptroller’s Office will ever go to a resident’s home to request to see their utility bills. The suspects have not been identified, and the Auburn Police Department is currently investigating the incidents.
As of Monday, there have been no reports of similar incidents in the area. Auburn residents are advised to be cautious of unsolicited visitors asking for personal information and to contact the police if they encounter any suspicious activity.
The Auburn Police Department has not released any further information at this time.
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