COUNTY News:

If anyone approaches you and asks to see your Los Alamos County utility bills, beware. Staff at the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has learned that door knockers in town are asking to see utility bills under the pretense of working with DPU to help customers qualify for reduced electricity rates.

One door knocker provided the company name “Freedom”. This entity is not affiliated with or working in coordination with DPU to offer reduced electricity rates, nor are any other companies. To see a full listing of DPU’s current utility rates, go to ladpu.com/rates.

Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed by door knockers:

• Protect your home by installing a doorbell camera to monitor your doorway.
• Interact safely by using a peephole, doorbell camera or window to see who is knocking before you open the door. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t answer the door.
• Don’t allow strangers into your home.
• When saying “no” say it quickly and decisively.
• Verify credentials if someone claims to represent a company or agency, and call to double-check. Look up the number on the web instead of getting it from the person on your doorstep.
• Ask to see a Los Alamos County business license.
• Don’t make hasty decisions or feel pressured to commit to anything on the spot.

DPU’s crews occasionally knock on doors to inform utility customers about issues with their utility services or planned work that may impact them.

If you are ever unsure of the legitimacy of someone claiming to be from DPU or working with DPU, please contact the Los Alamos Customer Care Center to verify at 505.662.8333 or CustomerCare@lacnm.us. For non-utility situations that give you pause, you may call the Los Alamos Police dispatch team at the non-emergency number 505.662.8222.