Reports: ICE Agents Pose as Utility Workers, TEP Objects to Misrepresentation
A Tucson, Arizona man was nearly nabbed by immigration agents claiming to be utility workers with Tucson Electric Power, The Arizona Daily Star reported.
Neighbors warned those in the house that the men wore no utility uniforms and suspected they may be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Of the reports, TEP spokesperson Rhonda Bodfield said TEP was not part of the exchange with the neighbor that is reported, and she added the utility has no additional information to share.
“Tucson Electric Power objects to any misrepresentation by anyone who falsely claims to be a TEP employee or representative. We have advised customers to look for the TEP logo on our employees’ clothing, safety equipment and vehicle. Our employees also are trained to produce their company identification badge for inspection by anyone seeking to confirm their employment or affiliation,” according to a post to the utility’s website.
“Any misrepresentation can create problems for TEP workers who do sometimes need access to private property to read meters, to locate and mark underground electrical facilities, to maintain or replace facilities, or for other reasons related to our service,” the post went on to say.
Utilities frequently warn of scammers who misrepresent themselves as utility workers while seeking to gain access to private property.
To combat such criminal scams, utility workers will identify themselves with name badges and uniforms, and leave notice in advance of their planned visits via mailers and/or doorhangers.
