Fake FPL Workers Rob Miami-Dade Woman
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A trio of robbers used a ruse of being Florida Power & Light workers to talk their way into a Miami-Dade woman's house Monday afternoon.
According to Miami-Dade Police, two of the robbers were wearing light blue FPL shirts and approached the 55-year-old victim and talked her into letting them into the house. Once inside, the robbers tied up the woman and began ransacking the house, according to police.
The robbers didn't have weapons and took an unknown amount of property before leaving the scene with a third person who was allegedly driving a getaway car, according to Miami-Dade Police.
The neighbor who lives across the street asked us not to use his name, but said the woman ran to his house for help. His father-in-law was at home at the time.
"He saw the lady yelling and asking for help so he went immediately to talk with her because the thief took her phone, her cellular phone. He used his to call police," the neighbor explained.
Another neighbor Leonte Valle said the situation is frightening.
"That's extremely scary because when you open your door to somebody ... especially workers like that you're not going to expect them to rob you or anything like that," he said.
FP&L said they occasionally hear reports of criminals posing as FPL employees.
"We ask customers to please remember that all FPL employees carry a photo identification badge and our contractors have either a contractor badge or work order letter," FPL spokesman Neil Nissan said in a statement. "Also, keep in mind that it is not FPL's practice to come into a customer's home without making arrangements ahead of time. And lastly, if they're still in doubt, they can call us at the phone numbers listed at the both of their FPL bill or contact us online to verify."
FPL said customers can find more information on how to protect themselves by clicking here.
