Tucson Electric Power is warning customers about three types of ongoing burglaries and scams that have recently been tied to the company.
Close to a dozen burglaries occurred in 2014 in which the suspects claimed to work for TEP. In last month's most recent event, two men approached a midtown resident, saying they worked for TEP and asking for access to a utility easement through the homeowner's backyard.
While the resident was escorting one of the men through the yard, the second man entered the home and stole several items, according to authorities.
The victim told police that one of the men was wearing a shirt with the word "electric" printed on it.
TEP reminds customers that employees or contractors working in the field carry proper identification and are willing to display it. Customers should check identification of anyone who requests access to their property.
Customers are also being warned about an ongoing phone scam, which hundreds of Tucson-area residents were targeted in last year.
Most of the time, a caller claiming to be with TEP tells customers their service is in danger of being shut off due to unpaid bills or because the meter needs replacing. The caller then instructs customers to make a payment over the phone with a pre-paid money card to avoid interruption of service.
TEP advises customers to hang up if they receive such a call, saying it would never collect payment in this way. The company only contacts customers via phone with courtesy bill-pay reminders. Disconnect notices are always sent in the mail.
In another TEP-related scam, customers have reported that a solar lease provider is marketing itself as a "preferred partner" of the new TEP Residential Solar Program.
This program isn't available yet and TEP hasn't selected any partners at this time. The company is currently reviewing proposals from solar installers wishing to participate in the program, which does not involve leased equipment.
Customers with questions or new information regarding any of the issues described above can call 623-7711.
