Royal Oak Officials Issue Scam Alert

Royal Oak city leaders are urging residents to beware of two criminal suspects who are portraying themselves as Water Department employees to gain entry into homes.

A 97-year-old resident told authorities recently that she allowed two men, who she surmised as ages 20 to 30, into her home after they told her they were Royal Oak city employees who "needed to check her water." They were wearing white coats and driving a large white pickup truck. They knew her name, which would be simple enough by checking property records, and so she mistakenly assumed they were official city employees. She felt their behavior was suspicious and told authorities it seemed as though a barking dog in the home scared the men away. After the incident, she discovered that a wedding band was missing from her bedroom.

Police Sgt. Ken Nutter has issued an emergency alert. He emphasizes that all Royal Oak Department of Public Service employees wear identification badges, and that they commute in orange trucks that display the Royal Oak city logo.

"The Water Department will not show up unannounced to check your water," Nutter says, explaining that if a home visit is desired, workers first will call and make an appointment.

Residents are urged to take precautions and to call the Royal Oak Police Department if they encounter or observe any suspicious behavior. The number is 248-246-3456.