A door-to-door offer to test your water for arsenic might sound like a public service, but Jacksonville residents are being warned it could actually be the start of a scam.
Here's what to know
Reports of people knocking on doors, claiming to be from JEA and offering household arsenic testing, prompted the Jacksonville utility to alert customers, as WJAX-TV reported.
The utility's message was alarmingly direct: "This is a scam."
Proper identification is one sign of a legitimate visit, JEA said, and its contractors always show it when approaching customers.
Another indicator, the utility explained, is that employees do not show up unexpectedly.
Home visits are scheduled in advance through appointments.
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What's being done?
JEA has taken the first step by publicly warning customers about the scam and explaining how legitimate visits work.
In addition to affirming the risk to local news outlets, JEA repeated the message across several social media platforms.
Posts on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook warned residents about the door-to-door scam.
"Scam Alert: We've received reports of individuals going door-to-door claiming to be JEA contractors and offering to test water for arsenic," a Facebook post from the utility warned.
"If someone unexpectedly comes to your home making this claim, do not allow them inside," it continued.
"Stay alert, check identification, and share this warning with your family, friends and neighbors to help keep our community informed," the post concluded.
JEA is also directing customers to its scam-awareness resources at jea.com/scams, where customers can learn more about utility-related fraud.
"JEA is not conducting tests for arsenic in water," the utility emphasized.
Where can I learn more?
This warning taps into broader worries about water safety and utility scams. These articles look at fake utility pitches in Florida and troubling test results in other communities.
• Florida utility customers are receiving fake $4,000 rebate pitches and promises of free AC units.
• In Florida, negligent builders and developers may be responsible for lead pipes beneath homes.
• In Colorado, drought is raising fears about arsenic in remaining water as supplies shrink.
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