This is what a real code enforcement officer looks like. Courtesy Dallas Police Department.
Unless you’ve been living without TV, internet or newspapers, you now know not to give money to this imposter volunteer (his photo has appeared all over the place the last few days). But you also should be weary of so-called code inspectors, according to police.
This notice comes from the Northeast Division, which includes Lake Highlands:
Please be aware of a new scam that has been happening recently in our areas. Suspects are pretending to be Oncor or City of Dallas code enforcement officers. They have been preying on elderly residents. They will tell the resident that they have a problem with the utility box located in the rear of the home. While the resident and the suspect are looking at the rear of the residence, another person will enter the home through the front of the residence, taking property from the location, while the resident’s attention is being diverted in the back yard. If you have any info to assist the Dallas Police Department in identifying these individuals, call 911 for an officer or contact the Northeast Substation at 214.670.4415.
Notes a police spokesperson following the warning: “Code inspectors are readily identified by uniforms with Code Compliance logos as well as badges. Also, they will drive city vehicles with Code Compliance lettering on the doors. Residents should feel comfortable asking code inspectors to identify themselves, and we will inform citizens of these identifiers as we meet with them in community meetings.”
