The Colonie Police Department is investigating an attempted scam by two suspects who impersonated water department employees. According to officer, on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 10:30 am, the two suspects knocked on the door of a residence on Boght Road and said they were from the water department. The residents are both in their early 80s and let the impersonators into the house. Once inside, the suspects divided and distracted the residents by having one of them go to the basement to show the water meter and while the other suspect had the other resident take the lid off of a toilet in the upstairs.
The suspect that stayed upstairs may have moved around the house, but nothing was disturbed or stolen. During the exchange, the suspects also asked for change of a $100 bill, but the residents did not have change and no money was exchanged. Although nothing was stolen, police believe the intent was to distract the residents in an effort to find valuables and or money.
Actual Latham Water Department employees will be driving a clearly marked vehicle that is white with blue stripes and have the Town of Colonie Seal on the side. All Latham Water Department employees will also have an official Town of Colonie Identification Card. Residents are urged to verify the identity of any unsolicited visitors before allowing entry to their house.
If there is any suspicion that the person(s) is not who they say they are, do not allow them in, lock the door and call 911. Residents wishing to verify Latham Water Department employees can also call their office at 783-2750 before allowing entry to the house.
The suspects are described as a white male, in his 50s, 5-foot-11, 240 pounds, dark hair, wearing dark jacket with an emblem on front. The other suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5-foot-3, 140 pounds, multicolor jacket. The vehicle is a dark Color SUV or Van with windows on the side
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Colonie Police Department at 783-2744.