Memphis Light, Gas and Water received a report of three men posing as MLGW contractors in a scheme to prey on an elderly customer. 

A 90-year-old man was approached at his home by three men wearing yellow traffic vests. The suspects told the homeowner they were there to check a water leak. After insisting they needed to check inside the home, they came in and flushed a toilet in the bathroom. The senior was told he had a leak and they had to dig in his backyard to “replace an elbow.”

The con men dug up a small area in his backyard and ten minutes later demanded $2,300 for the “repairs.” The victim only had $300, which he gave to the men. The suspects had the homeowner sign a “contract” for the balance and told him he would owe the rest. The suspects left in an older white truck that was towing a tractor.

Customers are reminded MLGW service representatives do not collect money in the field and all employees wear company-issued identification. When in doubt, call MLGW Customer Service at 544-6549 to confirm MLGW is working in your area.  

Customers who believe they have been targeted or victimized should immediately contact the Memphis Police Department at (901) 545-2677.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 421,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.