Police cracking down on persons pretending to be JPS employees

The St Andrew North police are urging the public to be on high alert following the arrest of a man accused of posing as a Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) worker to defraud unsuspecting residents.

The accused Sheldon Williams, an electrician of a Kingston 8 address, was taken into custody last week and charged with eight counts of fraud for allegedly trespassing on the works of the JPS and presenting himself as an employee or contractor.

According to detectives at the Constant Spring Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Williams visited a Barbican address in Kingston 8 on October 15 where he met with the complainant.

He reportedly identified himself as Dwayne Williams, an employee of JPS.

However, he refused to show the complainant his identification.

The accused then demanded a sum of cash not to prosecute the complainant for an irregularity he identified.

His demand was not met, so he removed the JPS meter from the premises and left in a white Toyota Probox motor car.

The complainant made a report to the police on November 13 and an investigation was launched.

The accused was held on November 15 during a planned operation.

The Gleaner was told that a white Toyota Probox vehicle was searched and an altered JPS ID was found along with a tablet and meters belonging to the JPS.

The police say the arrest comes amid a worrying rise in reports of individuals impersonating utility workers to target vulnerable customers.

JPS earlier this month also issued an advisory, warning the public to be vigilant and outlining key steps to verify legitimate workers.

The company reminded customers that all official JPS employees and contractors must carry photo identification, wear branded safety gear, and should never collect cash for services at customers’ premises.

Any payments, the company said, must be done through official channels.

The utility provider further urged customers to immediately report any suspicious individuals claiming to represent JPS, stressing that impersonation schemes not only defraud customers but also pose serious safety risks.

The St Andrew North police say the arrest is expected to form part of a broader crackdown on scammers who exploit the trust associated with uniformed service providers.

They are encouraging anyone who may have been approached by the suspect or others pretending to be JPS workers to contact the nearest police station.

- Andre Williams

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