BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Hernando County officials are warning residents about a scam involving individuals posing as utility employees and attempting to gain access to homes under the pretense of testing water quality. According to the Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD), the warning comes after a resident recently contacted customer service to report a suspicious encounter involving two individuals who claimed to be from HCUD.
The incident occurred on January 15, 2026, around 10:30 a.m., at a residence in Brooksville, Florida. The two individuals, who were not identified, told the resident that they needed to test the water quality in their home. The resident became suspicious and contacted HCUD to verify the legitimacy of the request. HCUD officials confirmed that the individuals were not affiliated with the department and were likely scammers.
HCUD officials stress that they will provide advance notice and identification for all legitimate inspections. Residents are advised to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from HCUD by calling the department’s customer service number at (352) 545-5800. HCUD also recommends that residents be cautious of anyone asking to enter their home or providing unsolicited services.
Residents can report suspicious activity to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 544-7867 or the HCUD customer service number.
Originally reported by R News
Sources: R News
