Denver Water is warning customers about fake utility workers trying to scam people out of their money — or worse.

It’s not just Denver Water workers being impersonated, officials said.

Across the country, the scams involve everything from impostors asking to check pipes or gas lines, collecting money for bills or even testing for water quality.

Denver Water wants customers to be careful.

“We pride ourselves on great customer service, so it’s tough to hear about scams like this,” said Pam Williams, former customer care supervisor and now a member of Denver Water’s lead reduction team. “These incidents serve as a good reminder for our customers to keep up their guard.”

Denver Water employees typically only visit homes to alert residents of an emergency, such as a water main break or a major construction project that will impact their street, officials said.

Other Denver Water projects, including removing and replacing lead water pipes, will be made by prior arrangement.

One of the best ways to identify a Denver Water employee is to look for a white vehicle, clearly marked with the blue Denver Water logo, as well as logos on hats and clothing, according to Melissa Hollenbaugh, Denver Water’s security supervisor.

“If someone says they’re from Denver Water and they look suspicious or you feel threatened, don’t let them in and call 911 right away,” Hollenbaugh said.

Demand to see official ID, officials also said, adding if there’s any question about the person’s identity, residents shouldn’t open the door. They also should never give a utility worker, fake or not, any money, officials said.

“We never send anyone to your home to collect money,” Williams said. “If someone says they are from Denver Water and asks for cash, they are an imposter.”

Denver Water has also identified other types of threats, such as potential email phishing scams targeting customers.

People could receive an email that looks like it is from Denver Water, asking them to click on a link that takes users to what appears to be Denver Water’s website. But the site is fake — intended to dupe people into giving money or personal information. Those links are a pathway to infect people’s computer with a virus, officials said.

“Denver Water will never send an email asking customers to provide any type of payment or personal information,” Denver Water said in a news release. “Online payments should be done by going directly to Denver Water’s online payment interface, accessible from Denver Water’s website: denverwater.org. We will only send links for informational purposes like water use reports or water efficiency tips.”

Williams also cautioned homeowners to be wary of anyone who knocks on the door and offers lead testing.

“We offer free lead testing for our customers, but we mail the kits so homeowners can collect the water samples themselves,” Williams said. “We don’t send employees out for this service.”

Homeowners also can contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444 to verify if an employee has been dispatched to their home. Additional information is provided by the Denver Police Department and the Denver District Attorney’s Office.

“Vigilance is the best way to protect yourself,” Hollenbaugh said. “Be smart, be alert, and never let anyone inside your home who you don’t trust.”