Pasadena Water & Power Warns of Door-to-Door Water Quality Scam Targeting Pasadena and Altadena Residents

Pasadena Water & Power has issued a fraud alert warning residents in Pasadena and in Altadena about individuals falsely claiming to be city employees conducting water quality checks and offering water filters “free after a rebate.” Officials say these individuals do not represent Pasadena Water & Power and are part of a broader scam targeting vulnerable homeowners.

The alert, posted on official social media channels on Nov. 7 and Nov. 10, states that scammers are attempting to enter homes under the guise of testing water and installing filtration systems. Pasadena Water & Power points out that its employees never conduct unsolicited home visits and always wear city uniforms, carry identification badges, and drive marked city vehicles.

The agency clarified that its water quality staff generally do not need to enter homes unless a meter is located in a service porch area or an interior inspection has been specifically requested. Altadena, which is located in unincorporated Los Angeles County and not within Pasadena city limits, was specifically named in the alert.

Similar scams have been reported across California, including in Sacramento, San Diego County, and Northern California. Organizations such as California Efficiency Group and Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating have been linked to deceptive door-to-door tactics. Complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau describe aggressive sales pitches, unauthorized credit checks, and contracts for overpriced equipment—some exceeding $11,000 for systems retailing at $150 to $500.

One incident in Altadena involved an elderly woman with mild cognitive impairment who was convinced to sign a contract for a water heater after scammers gained entry to her home. Her family later canceled the contract during the three-day grace period.

Pasadena Water & Power has explicitly denied the existence of any rebate program. Its Annual Water Quality Report confirms that over 85,000 parameters were tested in 2023, with no violations of state or federal standards.

Residents are urged to verify suspicious visits by calling customer service at (626) 744-4005. Fraud can also be reported to the City of Pasadena Fraud Hotline at (626) 744-7448, the Pasadena Police Department’s non-emergency line at (626) 744-4241, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.