Athens, Tenn., utility warns of scam artists posing as energy advisers

ATHENS, Tenn. (AP) - Utility officials in Athens say scam artists are posing as energy advisers.

The Athens Utilities Board has received calls from customers asking about a middle-age man who says he wants to measure homeowners' rooms to advise them about how to save energy, according to the local newspaper.

Utility spokesman Wayne Scarbrough said the scam comes around every couple of years and is infuriating because it preys on people's trust, particularly elderly customers.

The man making the rounds in recent weeks says he doesn't charge for his services but wants to come in and inspect people's homes. A second man was recently seen in a vehicle outside the homes.

In past scams, one person has kept the homeowners' attention while someone else has stolen valuables.