Woman robbed during phony inspection

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Police in Providence are warning residents of a recent scam after an 82-year-old woman was robbed in the Silver Lake section of the city.

A man came to her home, claiming he was from the "water department" and needed to check her bathroom sink.

Police say that while the woman was distracted, another suspect entered the house and stole cash and valuables.

In regards to the scam, the Providence Water Supply Board issued a statement saying the agency "rarely, if ever, needs to gain access to a home unannounced.  However, in the rare circumstance that entry is required, the customer should see an employee with a Providence Water photo identification badge and a uniform, and he or she would be driving a clearly-marked Providence Water vehicle."

Officers urge anyone who gets a visit from somebody claiming to be from a utility company to ask for identification.